The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen significant growth in its digital inclusion in recent years. This growth is driven by the execution of high-impact projects. 

On Saturday 23 March, DRC’s Digital Development Agency (ADN) announced a partnership agreement with local startup Motema, which specializes in the manufacture of made-in-Congo touch-screen tablets, and the French firm KaiOS Technologies, which created the mobile operating system KaiOS.

The initiative aims to set up a mobile phone assembly unit with a production capacity of over one million units, to be sold at a flat rate of 20 dollars per piece.

"Thanks to these low-cost phones, users will be able to explore the digital world, opening the way to new educational, commercial, and social opportunities. It's a revolution in technological accessibility, promising to connect Congolese people to the digital age and broaden their horizons," says an ADN press release.

This new partnership aligns with the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 (PNN), specifically project 21, which advocates for the development of e-commerce in the DRC. The government reports that 14 projects under the PNN have been finalized, and 25% are nearing operational status, bringing the completion rate to 57%. It also aligns with Motema’s goal of providing every citizen with a cost-effective digital device.

Thanks to this collaboration, Congolese people will have the opportunity to purchase 4G mobile phones for 20 dollars. These internationally standardized phones will provide access to the Google search engine and social networks.

Once operational, the project is expected to create jobs in the DRC and enhance the skills of the Congolese workforce through technology transfer between the two organizations. It also aims to combat the digital divide, foster e-commerce, transform the local economy, and significantly improve the daily lives of the Congolese people.

Samira Njoya