According to Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) data, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) welcomed 6.4 million new mobile subscribers in 2023. The number of mobile subscriptions surged from 49.8 million at the end of 2022 to 56.2 million by December 31, 2023, marking a promising 12.8% increase. This growth trajectory suggests a bright future for the DRC’s telecom sector.
The mobile penetration rate increased from 52.35% to 59.1% during this period. Despite this growth, which has steadily risen from 37.3% in 2013, the penetration rate remains relatively low, given the DRC’s large population of 95.2 million. The actual figures may be lower, as some Congolese own multiple SIM cards, each counted as a separate subscription.
Recognising these challenges, the Congolese government is stepping up its efforts in collaboration with the private sector to ensure nationwide connectivity. In June, a significant partnership was established between the Congolese Fiber Optic Company (SOCOF SA) and the Agency for Coordination and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements (APCSC) to deploy fibre optics along roads. The government is also actively working on operationalising the Universal Service Fund, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to improving the DRC’s telecom infrastructure.
The expansion of mobile phone services in the DRC is expected to facilitate the adoption of related technologies such as mobile internet and mobile money, which are essential for digital and financial inclusion in an era of rapid digital transformation. By the end of 2023, mobile internet penetration stood at 31.5%, while mobile money penetration was 23.3%.
