The Democratic Republic of Congo has unveiled a new regulatory framework governing key digital services, as authorities move to strengthen oversight of the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
In an order signed on March 11, Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba set out procedures for reviewing applications and granting authorisations for activities that require prior approval under the country’s Digital Code.
The rules introduce a formal licensing regime for selected digital operators, with authorisations valid for five years and subject to renewal. The framework establishes requirements for companies to demonstrate legal, technical, organisational and financial capacity before being granted approval.
Authorities have provided a transition period until June 30, 2026, for affected operators to comply with the new provisions. From July 1, the rules will take full effect, with penalties for non-compliance.
The measure does not apply to all digital businesses but targets specific activities considered strategic or sensitive. These include operators developing data centres, application hosting providers and qualified trust service providers offering services such as electronic signatures, certification, timestamping and secure digital communications.
More Read
The framework also covers certain large digital platforms, including cloud service providers, online marketplaces, app stores, social networks, content-sharing platforms, fintech firms and online banking services, as well as search engines and other essential digital services.
During the transition phase, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Congo will be responsible for processing applications. The regulator will assess whether submissions meet the required standards before issuing recommendations to the minister, who retains final decision-making authority.
To obtain authorisation, companies must submit detailed documentation, including legal and tax records, technical specifications, operational plans and business strategies. Authorities say this process is intended to ensure that only compliant and capable operators are allowed to provide regulated digital services.
More Read
The framework also introduces administrative sanctions for violations, including fines, shortened licence periods, suspension or withdrawal of authorisation. Companies operating without approval may face additional penalties under existing laws.
Officials say the new rules are designed to support the implementation of the Digital Code and improve governance of the digital sector, which has expanded rapidly in recent years. By tightening oversight, the government aims to enhance trust, security and reliability across digital platforms while encouraging sustainable growth in the sector.
Analysts say the move reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are introducing clearer regulatory structures to manage digital transformation and address risks linked to cybersecurity, data protection and financial technology.
Background to DR Congo’s digital economy
The digital economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by rising mobile phone penetration, increasing internet access, and growing demand for digital financial services, e-commerce, and online platforms.
Much of this growth has been led by mobile-based innovations, particularly mobile money services, which have become essential for payments, remittances, and small business transactions in a country where access to traditional banking remains limited. However, the rapid expansion of these services has often outpaced regulatory frameworks, leaving gaps in oversight.
Authorities have faced challenges in monitoring digital operators, enforcing compliance, and ensuring consumer protection. Informal or lightly regulated platforms have proliferated, raising concerns about fraud, data privacy, and illicit financial flows. At the same time, the lack of clear rules has created uncertainty for investors and businesses seeking to operate in the sector.
More Read
In response, the government has been working to modernize its digital governance framework as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy and improve public administration. Strengthening regulation is seen as key to formalizing the sector, improving tax collection, and enhancing trust in digital services.
The move toward licensing aligns the DRC with trends across Africa, where governments are increasingly introducing regulatory frameworks for digital platforms, fintech companies, and telecommunications services. Countries such as Kenya and Nigeria have implemented more structured oversight systems to manage fast-growing digital ecosystems.
Despite the push for regulation, policymakers face the challenge of balancing oversight with innovation. Excessive regulation could discourage startups and limit the growth of the digital economy, while weak enforcement risks undermining consumer confidence and financial stability.
For the DRC, introducing licensing rules is part of a broader strategy to create a more structured, secure, and investment-friendly digital environment, while ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are more effectively captured within the formal economy.
