DRC
DRC
Country Context
The DRC is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with 6.9 million people internally displaced primarily due to escalating violence in the eastern region. The country is also home to more than 500,000 refugees from Central African Republic (CAR), Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Only 3% live in urban areas.
Our work supports the Government of the DRC’s pledge at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum to advance the inclusion of refugees in national systems, with a particular focus on the digital and financial sectors. This includes expanding refugees’ access to digital technologies, internet connectivity, and digital skills to support socio-economic inclusion and opportunity.
The initiative is also aligned with the country’s development agenda highlighted as highlighted in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Country Statistics
Connectivity & Access
Connectivity infrastructure remains a significant challenge in the DRC. Less than half of the population is covered by 4G coverage and 5G is not yet available in the country.
Beyond infrastructure gaps, barriers such as the affordability of devices and mobile data, as well as low digital skills, further restrict access to meaningful connectivity for both forcibly displaced people and their host communities.
Our Work
Our work focuses on expanding access to digital technologies, internet connectivity, and basic digital skills for forcibly displaced and host communities to support socio-economic inclusion and opportunity.
Explore our work below:
Connected Centres
With support from Cisco, two multi-media centres equipped with internet, computers and laptops, and digital literacy and skills trainings are soon to open in Nzakara and Oicha, home to over 64,000 forcibly displaced people and their hosts.
Konnect Wi-Fi Pilot
In an innovative tripartite partnership with Eutelsat and Orange Group, we are delivering satellite-based connectivity solution in 6 communities across the southeast and northeast regions. Through this model, local business owners are hosting community Wi-Fi hotspots providing low-cost access. Community members will also receive digital support to ensure they can access the internet safely and effectively.