DRC’s $400M Satellite Deal with Monacosat Aims to Transform Digital Connectivity
The initiative, designed to accelerate digital access across the country, has already attracted financial pledges amounting to as much as USD 400 million, according to Monacosat officials.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving closer to launching its first national communications satellite through a strategic collaboration with Monacosat . The initiative, designed to accelerate digital access across the country, has already attracted financial pledges amounting to as much as USD 400 million, according to Monacosat officials. While the financing structure is still being finalized, the commitment signals strong investor confidence in the project.
High-level talks in Kinshasa brought together President Félix Tshisekedi, Monacosat’s representative Jean-Philippe Anvam, and senior members of government including Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa and Telecommunications Minister José Mpanda Kabangu. The discussions centered on how the satellite could transform connectivity in a nation where less than one-third of the population currently uses mobile internet.
Beyond internet expansion, the planned satellite is expected to bolster cybersecurity, enable telemedicine, expand access to e-learning platforms, and stimulate growth across Congo’s digital economy.
Fidelity Bank Signals Support
The financing drive has also been reinforced by Fidelity Bank of Nigeria, whose leadership visited Kinshasa in August 2025. Chief Executive Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe confirmed the bank’s interest in supporting the venture, announcing the creation of a joint task force with the Ministry of Digital Economy to explore funding options. Fidelity Bank also plans to establish a subsidiary in Kinshasa, with a focus on financial inclusion and investment in technology-driven projects.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
For years, the DRC has struggled to implement its ambitious 50,000-kilometre national fibre backbone, launched in 2019 under the Digital Horizon 2025 strategy. High costs and logistical challenges have slowed progress, prompting officials to look toward satellite connectivity as a faster, more flexible solution. This shift was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding between the government and Monacosat, which secures access to capacity on the Monacosat-1 platform.
The satellite project aligns with broader efforts to close the digital divide. In June 2025, Starlink began commercial operations in the DRC after receiving government approval, offering new options for rural and remote communities. Together, these developments highlight the country’s growing momentum toward achieving universal access to fast, reliable digital services.
