Cybersecurity Boost for Congo: EIB Backs Expansion of Fiber-Optic Network
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested US$10 million in Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS) to expand its fiber-optic network in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This investment is part of the EIB’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to promote trusted and sustainable connections with partner countries.
Enhancing Digital Connectivity in Eastern DRC
The project will benefit over 2.5 million people living in eastern DRC by providing high-speed internet coverage for:
- 319 schools
- 70 hospitals
This infrastructure expansion is expected to transform lives by providing access to digital services, information, and opportunities for education, healthcare, and job creation.
Quotes from Key Officials
- “This fiber-optic network illustrates what the EU’s Global Gateway strategy is all about: connecting people in our partner countries with trusted and sustainable infrastructure. It will transform more than 2.5 million Congolese lives, bringing high-speed internet to critical facilities such as hospitals and schools.” - European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen
- “We are pleased to take this step forward with BCS as part of the European Investment Bank’s commitment to accelerating digitalization in the Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa. Digital is a powerful driver of equity, inclusion, and growth, and we believe that expansion of the fiber-optic infrastructure will enable local communities, schools, and hospitals to benefit from mobile broadband.” - Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank
Impact on Local Communities
The EIB-backed investment by BCS will connect areas currently underserved by high-speed telecoms, unlocking new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and supporting job creation. The project aims to improve education and public health by providing direct telecom connections to schools and hospitals.
Long-Term Funding Partnership
BCS Group has entered into a long-term funding partnership with the EIB, which builds on a previous US$18 million investment in 2018. The company plans to build over 20,000 kilometers of digital infrastructure, including:
- 12,000 kilometers in DRC
- Connecting public hospitals, schools, and government institutions
Kinshasa Economic Forum
The agreement was signed at the Kinshasa Economic Forum, which brought together high-level officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, the European Union, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities for strategic cooperation and continued partnership.