Digital transformation has greatly accelerated in Africa over the past three years. Aware of the stakes involved, African governments are taking initiatives to develop digital technology and democratize the Internet. 

In Congo, the telecom regulator ARPCE will deploy 3rd generation (3G) mobile technology in 184 white zones across the country. The new territories, located in the Likouala and Cuvette-Ouest departments, were identified on Tuesday, October 11 in Brazzaville, during the presentation of a study commissioned by the regulator to open up white zones.  

According to the study, carried out by the consulting firm Smart World Partners, by bringing 3G to these new localities, at least 250,000 inhabitants will be reached by high-speed telecom services. Among other things, the technology will give them the ability to communicate better, access online learning or business opportunities, get better informed, and even access certain government services that are going digital.

The 3G rollout plan falls within the framework of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) and the national strategy for the development of the digital economy, Congo Vision 2025. It will be financed by Congo’s universal service fund FASUCE, whose necessity for the development of broadband connectivity and digital inclusion was reaffirmed in the study. To date, the fund has enabled the government to connect 153 localities or "white zones" to high-speed telecoms services and to build 19 multimedia rooms across the country.

During the presentation, after the FASUCE’s importance was reaffirmed, Telecoms Minister Leon Juste Ibombo (photo, center) assured that all the stakeholders involved would make sure the “most remote Congolese localities can access the Internet, online education, and public digital services.” He also called the stakeholders to “responsible commitment” and transparency in the management of identified projects.

Samira Njoya