The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Genew Technologies to build a $1.5 billion fiber-optic network along the Congo River, in one of the country’s biggest digital infrastructure projects aimed at expanding broadband connectivity.
The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs and Genew Technologies, envisages about 2,100 km (1,305 miles) of infrastructure, including 1,700 km of fiber-optic cable running along the Congo River from Muanda on the Atlantic coast to Kisangani, and nearly 400 km of terrestrial links.
The ministry said the project would establish key connectivity corridors to strengthen and expand the country’s national broadband network.
It said the Congo River and its tributaries would serve as deployment corridors, allowing the project to avoid some of the challenges that have slowed infrastructure development in the vast Central African nation, including poor road conditions, logistical constraints and security risks.
Genew Technologies Chief Executive Wu Minhua said the project is expected to cost about $1.5 billion, with more than $400 million required for the first phase.
The project comes as governments and telecom operators across Africa accelerate investment in fiber infrastructure to improve internet access and support growing demand for digital services.
Last month, Seacom launched a high-capacity terrestrial fiber route linking Nairobi and Kampala, strengthening one of East Africa’s busiest digital corridors.
In June, Telecom Namibia partnered with Demshi Investment Holdings to accelerate fiber deployment, while in April the African Development Bank approved a $200 million loan for Nigeria’s Project Bridge broadband expansion programme.
Earlier this year, Vodacom Mozambique and Bayobab Zambia launched a cross-border fiber interconnection linking the two countries. Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom and Sudan’s Sudatel Group also formalized a cross-border optical fiber agreement, while Chad’s government urged operators Sotel and Airtel to resume talks on a fiber route connecting Chad and Cameroon.
Faustine Ngila is the AI Editor at Impact Newswire, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an award-winning journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and emerging technologies.
He previously worked as a global technology reporter at Quartz in New York and Digital Frontier in London, where he covered innovation, startups, and the global digital economy.
With years of experience reporting on cutting-edge technologies, Faustine focuses on AI developments, industry trends, and the impact of technology on society.
Salif Keita (Mali)
Most Famous Song: “Africa”
Short Bio: Salif Keita (born 1949) is a Malian singer-songwriter, often referred to as the “Golden Voice of Africa.” He is known for his unique fusion of traditional Malian music with elements of jazz, R&B, and other international genres. As an albino, he has faced discrimination and uses his platform to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of albinos.
Prone
Aikona – not on your life [eye-koh-na] or [hi-koh-na] A Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief when talking to friends or family.Example: “Aikona, why did she do that?!” / “Haikona, when?! How?!”
Clang Glyph
Shebeen – an unlicensed bar [sha-been] These are unlicensed bars usually found in low-income suburbs located outside of the major towns and cities, more commonly known as ‘the townships’.