By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
Vodacom
Congo (RDC) S.A has emphasized the importance of connectivity as a foundational
driver for economic transformation and job creation in the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC), during the Invest in Africa Forum held in Paris.
The
forum, organised by l’Opinion and CIAN, brought together policymakers, private
sector leaders, and development experts to discuss investment opportunities
across the continent.

Vodacom
DRC Director General Khalil F. Al Americani said connectivity remains essential
for unlocking the country’s economic potential, highlighting infrastructure
development such as the Lobito Corridor as a key enabler of regional
interconnection and trade.
He
also stressed the growing role of digital technologies, including artificial
intelligence, in driving innovation through the integration of local data
systems. According to the company, mobile money platform M-Pesa, which
processes an estimated $26 billion in annual transactions, continues to play a
significant role in formalising informal economic activity and supporting
financial inclusion.

The
discussions underscored the importance of hybrid partnerships between public
and private sector actors in accelerating digital transformation and
positioning the DRC as an emerging technology hub.
The
high-level panel featured contributions from government and industry
stakeholders, including representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s
Ministry of Planning and Coordination of Development Assistance, OECD, and
private investment firms, who examined strategies for scaling sustainable
development across Africa.