• IFC may provide up to $59 million to Eastcastle Infrastructure to expand telecom towers in DR Congo.

• The financing forms part of a broader $180 million investment program that will require additional investor funding.

• DR Congo’s mobile penetration reached 65.9%, while mobile money penetration exceeded 30% at the end of 2025.

The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to become a regional digital hub by 2030, with a roadmap that prioritizes infrastructure expansion and financial inclusion.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering financing of up to $59 million for telecom tower operator Eastcastle Infrastructure to support the expansion of its network in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The institution announced the plan on Monday, April 27.

Under the proposal, IFC plans to reactivate an existing $30 million debt commitment and add new blended financing of up to $29 million. The remaining funding, which forms part of a broader $180 million program, will come from other investors.

Eastcastle will use the funds to deploy and operate new telecommunications towers across Congo. The infrastructure will allow multiple mobile operators to share the same equipment instead of building separate tower networks.

According to the latest data from Congo’s Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), the country had about 73.9 million active mobile subscriptions for an estimated population of 112.2 million, representing a penetration rate of 65.9%.

In addition, mobile internet generated around 55% of telecom sector revenue, while mobile money penetration exceeded 30% at the end of 2025.

Against this backdrop, broader network coverage should allow more users, particularly unbanked populations, to access mobile payment and money transfer services through their phones.

This article was initially published in French by Sandrine Gaingne

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum