DRC Satellite Project with Monacosat Attracts Up to USD 400 Million in Financing

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing its digital connectivity needs through a partnership with Monacosat to develop a dedicated national communications satellite. The project has already drawn financial commitments of up to USD 400 million from a partner bank, according to Monacosat’s representatives. The funding would support the launch of a dedicated broadband satellite, offering the prospect of improved internet coverage across a country where only a third of the population currently accesses mobile internet. However, the precise structure of the financing remains unclear.

The discussions, held at the presidential offices in Kinshasa, were led by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi alongside Jean-Philippe Anvam, Monacosat’s representative. Also present were the Minister of Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa, and the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, José Mpanda Kabangu.

This project would also improve cybersecurity, boost telemedicine, enable wider access to distance learning, and spur growth in Congo’s digital economy, noted Jean-Philippe Anvam, Monacosat’s representative. 

This follows a recent visit by Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank in August 2025, during which the institution signalled its support for the project. Chief Executive Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to establishing a long-term presence in the DRC as a trusted financial partner and confirmed that a joint task force is being set up with the Ministry of Digital Economy to explore funding mechanisms for the satellite initiative. She added that Fidelity Bank’s entry into the Congolese market is expected to strengthen financial inclusion and provide financing for innovative projects in the digital economy. Plans are also underway to establish a local subsidiary in Kinshasa, focusing on digital projects and financial inclusion.

Government Support to Bridge the Digital Divide

Senior DRC government officials have been advocating for greater support for satellite connectivity initiatives to offset the high costs and slow progress of the planned 50,000-kilometre national fibre backbone, a flagship element of the Digital Horizon 2025 plan launched in 2019. This approach was underscored by a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, and Monacosat. The agreement focused on the acquisition of satellite capacity from the Monacosat-1 platform to boost DRC’s internet connectivity needs.

This development is further complemented by the recent entry of Starlink, which began offering satellite internet services in the DRC in June 2025 following government approval the previous month. Together, these initiatives are accelerating efforts to expand access to fast and reliable internet, with a particular focus on underserved regions.