DR Congo’s bold bid for a UIT Council seat gains momentum through diplomatic outreach

In a high-stakes diplomatic push, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, José Mpanda Kabangu, hosted a landmark gathering at Kinshasa’s Hilton Hotel on July 15, 2026. The event brought together ambassadors, diplomatic mission chiefs, and key representatives from international telecom organizations to formally unveil the country’s candidacy for a seat on the International Telecommunication Union (UIT) Council—a critical decision-making body within the United Nations specialized agency.

The elections, slated for November 2026 in Doha, Qatar, will determine representation for the 2027–2030 term. Mpanda framed the candidacy as both a national ambition and a continental imperative, emphasizing the DR Congo’s strategic position in Africa’s digital transformation.

Why the UIT seat matters for Africa and global tech governance

Speaking to diplomats, Mpanda outlined a vision where the DR Congo doesn’t merely participate in global tech governance but actively shapes it. He highlighted the country’s role as the conventional seat of the African Telecommunications Union (UAT), positioning Kinshasa as a natural leader in advocating for equitable digital policies across the continent.

«Our bid for a UIT Council seat is not just about securing a position—it’s about elevating Africa’s voice in defining the rules of the digital economy. The DR Congo will leverage its strategic resources and human capital to champion policies that promote digital inclusion, innovation, and sovereignty for developing nations,» Mpanda stated.

He underscored four core commitments driving the campaign:

• Amplifying Africa’s influence within the UIT’s decision-making processes.
• Mobilizing investments in critical telecom infrastructure, including satellites, data centers, and public digital networks.
• Championing a balanced digital governance framework that prioritizes innovation, security, and citizen protection.
• Strengthening regulatory and institutional capacities across Africa through knowledge-sharing and collaborative research.

DR Congo’s digital economy: A continental powerhouse

Christian Katende, President of the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications of Congo (ARPTC), reinforced the bid’s economic rationale. With over 110 million citizens and 74 million mobile subscriptions, the DR Congo is already one of Africa’s largest digital markets. Katende articulated a vision to transform the country into a regional digital hub, capable of driving Central Africa’s—and the continent’s—economic growth.

«We’re not just aiming to connect our people—we’re building an ecosystem where Africa writes its own digital destiny. Supporting our UIT candidacy means choosing a future where Africa doesn’t just adopt technology, but invents it,» Katende told diplomats.

He outlined the DR Congo’s unique assets—including its critical mineral reserves essential for semiconductors and AI infrastructure—as compelling reasons for global stakeholders to back its leadership in shaping digital governance.

Diplomatic backing: A continental call to action

Noëlla Ayeganagato, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the campaign. Addressing the assembled diplomats, she framed the UIT seat as a strategic partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging nations to leverage both bilateral and multilateral channels to secure votes.

«The UIT is a key ally in turning digital challenges into opportunities. We invite our partners to champion this cause with the same vigor they reserve for their most vital national interests,» she emphasized.

The DR Congo’s formal candidacy will be submitted during the UIT’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, marking a pivotal moment in its bid to transition from a digital consumer to a global policy leader.