The Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the Unité de Gestion du Projet de Transformation Numérique (UG-PTN), is developing an 11,600km national fibre-optic backbone through four 20-year PPP concessions with private-sector operators across the country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is planning a major expansion of its national digital infrastructure through the Congo Fibre Concession Programme, which aims to add approximately 11,600 km of fibre-optic backbone network. The programme is structured around four separate 20-year PPP concessions, with private-sector operators expected to be selected through international competitive tendering. The network is intended to improve connectivity between provinces, strengthen links with neighbouring countries, connect to submarine cable infrastructure and increase the resilience of the country's telecommunications network. 

To support the programme, the World Bank has provided a US$400 million IDA credit, while the French Development Agency (AFD) has committed €100 million in co-financing to the broader digital transformation programme. A key feature of the proposed PPP structure is additional public financing to cover the investment gap on routes where revenues generated by the concession may not be sufficient to meet the required capital expenditure. In practical terms, this is similar to a viability-gap funding mechanism, helping make less commercially viable fibre routes attractive to private operators. 

The four concessions are expected to combine commercially attractive routes with more difficult-to-serve areas. The final structure will therefore be important for determining how risks and returns are allocated between the government and private concessionaires. Investors are likely to examine issues such as private equity and debt requirements, wholesale tariffs, revenue-sharing arrangements, foreign-exchange exposure, open-access requirements, interconnection rules and network performance obligations. The treatment of the fibre assets at the end of the 20-year concession period will also be an important contractual consideration. The programme is also expected to have a wider economic and social impact by improving access to reliable internet infrastructure for businesses, schools, hospitals and government agencies, particularly in underserved provinces. By expanding the national backbone, the DRC aims to create a stronger platform for digital services and improve integration with regional and international telecommunications networks. 

In terms of implementation, the government is currently progressing preparatory work and procurement. Expressions of interest for a supervision consultancy are due by 14 October 2026, with the consultancy expected to commence in June 2027 and continue for approximately 40 months. This indicates that the programme is still at the preparation/procurement stage rather than being an operational fibre concession.