The Democratic Republic of the Congo is making a bold bid to secure a seat on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, a move backed by intense diplomatic consultations led by Post and Telecommunications Minister José Mpanda Kabangu.
In a high-profile gathering at Kinshasa’s Hilton Hotel on July 15, 2026, Mpanda convened ambassadors, diplomatic mission chiefs, and representatives from international telecom bodies to formally announce the country’s candidacy for the ITU Council. The elections, set for November 2026 in Doha, Qatar, will determine the next Council members for the 2027–2030 term.
Speaking to the assembled diplomats, Mpanda framed the bid as a call for global solidarity and a testament to the DRC’s strategic role in Africa’s digital transformation. As the host of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) headquarters, the DRC sees this as an opportunity to shape international telecom policies while amplifying Africa’s voice in global governance.
«Our candidacy reflects our ambition to position the DRC at the forefront of global connectivity standards. It is about actively contributing to international telecom policy-making while ensuring Africa’s interests are represented in the most critical decisions shaping our digital future,» Mpanda emphasized, urging the diplomats to rally support from their respective governments.
The DRC’s bid centers on four key commitments: strengthening Africa’s voice within the ITU, driving investments in networks, satellites, and data centers, fostering a digital governance model that balances innovation with security and sovereignty, and empowering African regulators through knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Christian Katende, Chair of the DRC’s Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), highlighted the country’s digital potential, citing over 110 million people and 74 million mobile subscriptions as evidence of its strategic importance in Africa’s digital economy.
«We aim to transform the DRC into Central Africa’s digital hub and a key player in the continent’s digital economy. But our vision extends beyond our borders—we want to drive Africa’s digital competitiveness, accelerate integration, and ensure the continent speaks with a unified voice in global forums,» Katende told the diplomats.
He underscored the DRC’s critical role in the global tech supply chain, noting its vast reserves of minerals essential for semiconductors and AI infrastructure. «The DRC’s inclusion in the ITU Council is not just justified—it is necessary. The rules governing the digital revolution must be shaped by those who contribute to its foundation,» he argued.
Noëlla Ayeganagato, Deputy Foreign Minister, reaffirmed the government’s full backing for the candidacy, urging diplomats to leverage bilateral and multilateral engagements to secure votes. «The ITU is a vital partner in achieving sustainable development goals. We call on our allies to champion the DRC’s bid with clarity and conviction,» she stated.
The formal submission of the DRC’s candidacy is scheduled for November 2026 in Doha.
