Brief
DRC minister outlines digital ID rollout amid low internet connectivity
Augustin Kibassa Maliba said the RDC‑Pass pilot moves forward despite only 45% internet penetration.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Augustin Kibassa Maliba, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Minister of Digital Economy, told state broadcaster RTNC that the government is advancing its digital transformation agenda, focusing on the RDC‑Pass digital ID launched in June with Singaporean firm Trident.
He said 50 enrollment agents were trained last month to shift the ID system into an operational pilot phase. The minister highlighted additional initiatives such as a national AI strategy, a digital gateway for online services, and the creation of cybersecurity and electronic certification agencies.
Maliba warned that low internet connectivity remains a major obstacle, noting that only about 45% of the population had internet access in 2025, according to a GSMA report. The same report projects an additional 9.7 million mobile internet users by 2029. He stressed that expanding connectivity must accompany infrastructure and governance efforts to enable citizens to use digital public services.
Key facts
- The RDC‑Pass digital ID was launched in June in partnership with Singaporean firm Trident. (biometricupdate.com)
- Fifty enrollment agents received training last month to move the ID system into a pilot phase. (biometricupdate.com)
- Internet penetration in the DRC was about 45% in 2025, per a GSMA report. (biometricupdate.com)
- The GSMA report forecasts 9.7 million additional mobile internet users by 2029. (biometricupdate.com)
Sources
- [1] biometricupdate.com — originally reported as “DRC points to digital ID progress amid connectivity bottlenecks”
