DRC takes bold step toward technological sovereignty with sovereign satellite acquisition
An ancient Luba proverb says, “Musuminyina katu wabula”—“persistence always prevails”. For Me José Mpanda Kabangu, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, this saying encapsulates his unwavering determination to secure a sovereign satellite for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Having previously championed this vision during his tenure at the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, he is now spearheading the realization of this ambitious national project.
On June 5, Minister Mpanda hosted a high-level delegation from China Unicom and Genew Technologies in Kinshasa. The meeting, part of ongoing efforts to advance the DRC’s sovereign satellite program and expand the national fiber-optic backbone, follows his official visit to China in April. The discussions reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure and reducing its technological dependence.
Key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors attended the session, including representatives from the General Secretariat of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (SG PTNTIC), the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARPTC), the Congolese Fiber Company (SOCOF), the National Satellite Telecommunications Network (RENATELSAT), the National Center for Remote Sensing (CNT), and senior advisors from the Presidency and Prime Minister’s Office.
A coordinated strategy to advance two critical projects
Minister Mpanda emphasized that his April trip to China was a diplomatic mission focused on securing support for national priorities. However, the technical discussions were entrusted to experts from the Chinese firms, who arrived in Kinshasa on June 8 and will remain until June 19. Their agenda includes two transformative initiatives: the sovereign satellite project and the national fiber-optic backbone, both of which saw progress with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in April.
The talks are structured around three core objectives:
- Technical and financial structuring: Validating the technical architecture of both projects, estimating costs, and finalizing funding arrangements with the Ministries of Planning and Finance.
- Institutional alignment: Formal presentations to key institutions, including RENATELSAT, the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Company (SCPT), SOCOF, the CNC, the CNT, the SG PTNTIC, the ARPTC, and the Presidency.
- Due diligence preparation: Defining the scope and timeline, identifying Congolese delegates and site visits, producing deliverables ahead of the mission, and outlining next steps post-due diligence.
Four key deliverables are expected from these discussions:
- Validated technical solutions for both projects;
- Finalized financing approaches;
- Alignment among all stakeholders;
- A scheduled due diligence mission to China.
A national effort led by multiple institutions
The sovereign satellite and fiber-optic projects are national priorities, involving a broad coalition of institutions. The Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, and multiple ministries—including Posts and Telecommunications, Planning, Finance, Infrastructure, and Mines—are engaged alongside the National Cybersecurity Council (CNC). Technical entities such as the SG PTNTIC, ARPTC, FDSU, SOCOF, SCPT, RENATELSAT, and the CNT are central to implementation.
The DRC’s pursuit of a sovereign satellite marks a historic milestone in its digital transformation journey. By leveraging international partnerships while maintaining national oversight, the government aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance connectivity, and position the country as a leader in technological sovereignty in Central Africa.