** Internet and equal access in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a vision for the future **
On February 19, Kinshasa was the scene of a major event: a day of training and reflection organized by Internet Society RDC. The purpose of this meeting was not only to make Congolese aware of their rights to internet access, but also to discuss concrete means of expanding connectivity in a country where only 33% of the population is currently online. A figure that is cold in the back and highlights the digital fracture that persists in one of the largest and diverse countries in the world.
### An alarming digital fracture
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country rich in natural resources, but paradoxically poor in digital infrastructure. According to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union), this internet access deficit is particularly marked in rural areas where the presence of telecom operators is insufficient. This has negative impacts on socio-economic development and education. In comparison, neighboring countries like Rwanda, thanks to proactive government initiatives, display much higher connectivity rates, reaching almost 60% of their online population. This contrast raises questions about the effectiveness of public policies in the DRC and their ability to meet such a fundamental need.
### The Universal Service Development Fund
At the heart of the discussions of February 19, the development fund of the universal service, established in 2022, represents an essential initiative to solve this problem. This fund aims to target the areas abandoned by conventional connectivity, notably by supporting infrastructure and digital education projects. In a country where access to information can differentiate between isolation and integration, it is crucial to accelerate the implementation of this fund. The issues are not limited to simple connection, but also include the areas of health, education and economic development.
### A reunification of the actors
The meeting brought together a varied panel of political decision -makers, scientists, sector experts and civil society members. This melting pot of actors is necessary for a holistic approach that looks at multi-sectoral challenges. Kevin Mukendi, the secretary general of the Internet Society RDC, stressed the importance of this collaboration, saying that solutions must be found collectively. Indeed, the success of internet access will depend not only on technology but also on the awareness of the population to the rights which are conferred on them.
### to an inclusive future
The question that arises is that of the viability of this project in a socio-economic context disturbed by political and humanitarian crises. The experiences of African countries like Kenya, which has managed to transform digital access into an economic resilience tool, can serve as a model. With adequate funding and a regulatory framework that stimulates innovation, the DRC can sketch paths to an inclusive future where each Congolese, regardless of its geographic location, has the possibility of connecting.
### Conclusion
While the DRC is preparing for a transition period, the requirement for increased internet connectivity is now more than a simple technical question; It is an imperative of social justice. The possibility of accessing information and online services must become a fundamental right, guaranteeing everyone a greater autonomy. For the Internet Society DRC and all the actors involved, this is only a first step, but it could well be the catalyst for a major socio-economic change. The theme of internet access must therefore appear at the top of the public agenda, both as an economic issue and as a tool for democracy.
In the end, it is crucial that the DRC does not miss this historic opportunity. Opening towards a digital world could redefine the country’s socio-economic landscape, thus reducing inequalities and connecting individuals to new opportunities. By investing in digital infrastructure and raising awareness, the country can become an example of success in the fight for equitable access to information, both regional and international.