(Ecofin Agency) - In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the cities of Kinshasa and Kasumbalesa are now connected via the fiber optic. This segment which is the second phase of the national fiber optic network, was successfully completed. Deployment works which started in March 2014, ended on October 3, 2017. The 3,300km-long line was awarded a final reception certificate by the minister of posts, telecommunication and communication, Emery Okundji. 

The infrastructure which was built by China International Telecommunication Construction Corporation (CITCC) and the National Post and Telecommunication Company (SCPT), passes through the provinces of Kwango, Kwilu, Kasaï, Central Kasaï, Lomami, Haut-Lomami, Lualaba and Haut Katanga. Financing for the project amounted to US$221 million and was secured through a partnership agreement signed by the government and China Eximbank. 

With phase two completed, Emery Okundji revealed that another phase will follow in order to achieve the project’s final goal, namely insure that fiber optic fully covers the whole territory. He added that this objective falls in line with the President’s vision to make DRC a digital hub, as the sector is a real driver of growth, as well as a major source of job and wealth creation.