In an increasingly connected and technological world, where digital technology becomes the nerve of war between nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seems to drag a heavy ball. With a distressing score of 0.2067 in terms of digital government for 2024, the DRC ranks not only below the world’s (0.5754) and African (0.3862) averages, but also among its peers in Africa central (0.2651). However, behind this sad reality hides a major issue that could transform the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The World Bank’s commitment to invest $ 500 million to support the digitization of public services in the DRC should be seen not only as a panacea, but as a potential lever towards a structural transformation. This investment could help not only to improve the transparency and efficiency of institutions, but also to shake up a system already plagued by corruption. Figures from the World Association of Mobile Telephone Operators (GSMA) who claim that an effective digitization of public services can lead to an increase in tax revenue from 1.2 to 1.3 % of GDP, should encourage decision -makers to redouble efforts in this direction.
However, improving the E-GOV cannot be limited to technological implementation. The DRC must also take up the challenge of digital infrastructure, an often neglected but essential aspect. With a cruel deficit in this area, as evidenced by the telecom infrastructure index awarded by the United Nations (0.1591), the country is exposed to serious brakes on its development. The situation becomes even more alarming when compared to the regional (0.3354) and world (0.6382) average. Infrastructure is not only a question of internet access, but also includes elements such as digital education, cybersecurity and maintenance of systems.
Far from being a simple exercise in administrative modernization, the digital transformation could catalyze a virtuous circle which causes significant economic benefits. By facilitating access to information, by reducing barriers for local entrepreneurs and allowing better restitution of services to citizens, digital technology could become a factor of social inclusion. However, this dynamic requires massive and targeted investments that go beyond simple technological adjustments.
The technological reforms planned to support economic growth in 2025, such as the deployment of Logirad software in several ministries, illustrate a desire for modernization. However, these measures must also be accompanied by a holistic vision and a long -term strategy. Such an approach could promote better coherence and synergy between the different sectors, thus generating an environment conducive to innovation and the creation of jobs.
This desire for innovation is not unprecedented. As a comparison, other African countries have shown that a solid digital strategy can generate significant improvements in terms of governance. Take the case of Kenya, which has managed to make considerable advances in terms of digital services thanks to mobile payment and e-government. Through the development of accessible applications and the implementation of adapted policies, the country has seen the effectiveness of its institutions strengthen, which could serve as a model for the DRC.
Thus, while the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to enter the digital age, the path to be covered remains strewn with pitfalls. The investments announced by the World Bank could breathe new momentum, but for the expected effect to materialize, it will take a flawless commitment from the Congolese government to tackle all the challenges linked to digitization. It is not only a question of deploying tools, but of building a robust digital ecosystem which will benefit the entire population, paving the way for a necessary updating of the political, economic and social representation of the DRC in the concert of nations.
It is on this note that we can hope that the country will not only rectify the CAP but that it will really transform its delay into an unexpected opportunity, thus propeling the Congo on the path of emergence. In this matrix of challenges and opportunities, the commitment of international partners, as well as the desire to advance reforms, will play a decisive role to give life to a new DRC, ready to grasp the promises of the 21st century.