The Democratic Republic of the Congo has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Genew Technologies to develop a $1.5 billion fiber-optic network along the Congo River. The proposed project includes about 2,100 kilometers of infrastructure, comprising 1,700 kilometers of river-based fiber cable and nearly 400 kilometers of land connections. By using the Congo River as a deployment corridor, the initiative seeks to overcome the logistical, infrastructure, and security challenges that have slowed previous connectivity projects. Although financing, implementation timelines, and construction details remain under discussion, Genew Technologies has committed to supplying equipment, maintaining the network, and training local technicians. The project complements broader efforts, supported by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, to expand broadband access and strengthen digital services throughout the country.
Ecofin Agency