Congo Showcases Digital Infrastructure Gains and AI Ambitions in Xiamen
The Minister highlighted Congo’s progress in strengthening digital infrastructure through flagship projects such as the Central African Backbone for regional connectivity, the national data center as a pillar of digital sovereignty, and ongoing expansion of telecommunications coverage across the country.
The Republic of Congo has reaffirmed its role as a driving force in Africa’s digital transformation during the BRICS Forum on the Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution, held in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
Leading the delegation, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, presented Congo’s strategic vision for digital innovation and Africa’s place in the global technological landscape. Congo’s participation falls within the framework of its cooperation with China, particularly under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where President Denis Sassou N’Guesso currently serves as African co-chair.
The Minister highlighted Congo’s progress in strengthening digital infrastructure through flagship projects such as the Central African Backbone for regional connectivity, the national data center as a pillar of digital sovereignty, and ongoing expansion of telecommunications coverage across the country. These are complemented by e-government platforms and capacity-building initiatives designed to prepare Congolese youth for the digital economy.
One of the key announcements was the creation of the Africa Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA), envisioned as a pan-African hub for research, training, and innovation. Developed in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Information and Communication Technologies (CAICT), CARIA will include a joint AI laboratory, innovation and research facilities, advanced mobility and training programs, and solutions tailored to African priorities such as health, education, smart agriculture, and sustainable cities.
The Minister underlined that Congo’s approach prioritizes co-construction of inclusive, locally adapted digital solutions rather than mere technology adoption. CARIA will link with global innovation ecosystems, including the BRICS AI Center, the Smart Africa Alliance, and the AI Hub in Rome, to position Africa as an active and respected contributor to international digital governance.
Congo’s engagement at the BRICS Forum reflects a broader strategy to align technological advancement with human-centered development, regional integration, and international cooperation. With its leadership role in FOCAC and its commitment to scientific excellence through CARIA, Congo aims to be a strategic actor in shaping Africa’s digital future.
