Mobile Fiber Optic Cable in Congo

Congo is actively expanding its mobile fiber optic infrastructure through national and regional projects, enhancing connectivity and digital inclusion.Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)The Republic of Congo has been developing its fiber optic network as part of the Central African Backbone (CAB) project, aimed at improving digital access and interregional connectivity. The CAB project connects Congo with neighboring countries like Gabon and Cameroon, with key milestones including the inauguration of the CAB 3 (Congo) and CAB 4 (Gabon) fiber optic links in 2018, and the completion of Congo-Cameroon fiber works in 2021. An underwater fiber optic cable linking Silicone Connect (Brazzaville) and United (Kinshasa) arrived in Brazzaville in 2022, enabling international connectivity and strategic partnerships. Silicone Connect also manages the CAB network on the Congo-Cameroon axis, opening opportunities for broader digital integration . In urban areas like Pointe-Noire, mobile operators such as Airtel and Congo Telecom are deploying over 100 km of fiber optic cables to optimize network performance. Projects include the installation of over 1,700 poles and 18 distribution points, expanding both residential and commercial connectivity. These initiatives support 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile networks, improving mobile broadband speeds and reliability .Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)In the DRC, the government is actively expanding fiber optic infrastructure nationwide. SOCOF SA, the Congolese Fiber Optic Company, has partnered with the Agency for Coordination and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements (APCSC) to deploy fiber along major roads. A notable project is the 620 km fiber optic cable connecting Kinshasa and Muanda, inaugurated in March 2023, which strengthens national ICT infrastructure and supports mobile internet growth. The DRC had 28.9 million mobile internet subscribers and 56.1 million mobile phone subscribers as of Q3 2023, reflecting a penetration rate of 30.4% for mobile internet . Additionally, the DRC is part of a regional 10,000 km fiber optic backbone project covering five countries (DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique), which aims to connect schools, hospitals, and government institutions, significantly improving mobile and broadband access in previously unconnected areas .Fiber Optic Cable ImportsCongo imports significant quantities of fiber optic cables to support these deployments. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 246 shipments of fiber optic cable were imported, with major suppliers including China, South Africa, and India, and top importing countries being Ukraine, the United States, and Hong Kong. This import activity supports both mobile network expansion and broader digital infrastructure projects .SummaryCongo's mobile fiber optic infrastructure is rapidly expanding through national projects, regional backbones, and urban network optimizations. Both the Republic of Congo and the DRC are investing in fiber optic networks to enhance mobile broadband, 3G/4G/5G coverage, and international connectivity, supported by imports of fiber optic cables and strategic partnerships with regional and international operators. These efforts aim to improve digital inclusion, economic growth, and access to essential services across urban and rural areas.