The digital economy is now a major engine of growth for many African nations. This ongoing transformation is creating opportunities for various players to emerge. The Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular, still holds considerable potential for expansion in this sector.
Orange Group officially commenced construction of its future headquarters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, the nation's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy. The move underscores the telecom operator's commitment to a market brimming with potential. This significant investment reflects the company's confidence in the DRC's economic and digital prospects, despite a business climate often perceived as intricate.
The planned eight-story Orange DRC headquarters, a 10,000-square-meter edifice, will rise in Kinshasa on Avenue des Huileries, directly across from the Martyrs of Pentecost Stadium in the Lingwala district. “The construction of this headquarters goes beyond just a building; it represents a major step forward for the technological development of the DRC. I hope this site will offer a modern, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and the creation of new services to benefit the entire Congolese population,” said Minister Kibassa Maliba.
According to the latest figures from Congo’s Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), Orange is the country's second-largest operator with 18.5 million subscribers, trailing Vodacom's 22.5 million but ahead of Airtel and Africell. With a total of 62.2 million mobile phone subscribers, representing a mobile penetration rate of 65.8%, and 32.1 million mobile internet users, equating to an internet penetration rate of 33.8%, DRC presents a market with substantial untapped potential.
The Congolese government's active pursuit of digital transformation as a key driver of economic and social advancement further highlights the opportunities that Orange envisions within the nation. The company has considerable scope to establish itself as a leading player across various burgeoning sectors, including the expanding innovative startup ecosystem, the digitization of both public and private services, cloud computing, data storage solutions, and cybersecurity.
Mobile Money also stands out as a robust growth engine with significant promise for the telecom operator. With a current penetration rate of 26.7%, Orange possesses the potential to become a catalyst for greater financial inclusion. However, the company's ability to capitalize on these favorable projections hinges on the Congolese government's sustained commitment to nurturing the digital economy, particularly in areas such as regulatory frameworks, frequency spectrum allocation, infrastructure development, the issuance of new licenses, and improving access to mobile devices. Moreover, political and security stability within the country remains a critical factor.
The future Orange headquarters in the Democratic Republic of Congo is slated for completion and handover in October 2027.
By Muriel EDJO,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
