EU, EIB Commit $44M to Digital Transformation Project in Congo

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide $28 million and the European Union (EU) will contribute $16 million to support the implementation of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) in the Republic of Congo.

Initiated in January 2023 for a five-year period, the PATN aims to expand broadband internet access in underserved areas and strengthen the government’s capacity to deliver digital public services. The project was initially backed by a $100 million World Bank loan. The European funds will complement this financing and support digital skills training for women and youth.

The digital skills component includes establishing a national certification framework and job market-oriented training. The PATN also aims to modernize government information systems by improving data management, interoperability and digitalization of public services. It will contribute to strengthening national cybersecurity and protecting personal data.

Congolese authorities see the project as part of the country’s Digital Development Strategy for 2030 and the 2022–2026 National Development Plan.

Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, said, “The digital vision led to the development of the national digital strategy for 2030, through which the PATN is an operational, coordinated response to the priority needs of digital and social inclusion.”