• The project is part of a $100 million digital transformation program.
• It aims to expand 4G access and bridge the urban–rural connectivity gap.
• The government targets 76 connected sites nationwide by year-end.

Congo’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, announced on October 13 the activation of 20 high-speed Internet access points in rural areas. The initiative, unveiled during a visit by a World Bank delegation to Brazzaville, aims to expand digital inclusion and reduce the connectivity gap across the country.

“As of today, seventy-six connectivity sites have been built and equipped nationwide. Of these, twenty are already connected to high-speed Internet, allowing people in remote areas to access real-time connectivity,” the minister said.

The rollout is part of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) and the broader Digital Strategy 2030. Co-financed by the World Bank and the European Union with $100 million, the PATN is one of the largest investments ever made in Congo’s digital sector. The government has also contributed $3 million to upgrade infrastructure using 4G technology for reliable, high-quality connectivity.

Authorities plan to connect all 76 sites to 4G by the end of the year, creating new economic and social opportunities in e-commerce, e-learning, and e-government services.

Beyond infrastructure, the project seeks to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas and strengthen the state’s capacity to deliver digital services. However, challenges persist—particularly limited electricity access, with 67% of urban residents connected to the grid compared to only 12.4% in rural zones, according to the World Bank.