Fidelity Bank Joins Forces with DRC’s Ministry of Digital Economy
On August 28, 2025, His Excellency Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Digital Economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), received a high-level delegation from Fidelity Bank, led by Managing Director Nneka Onyeagali-Ikpe.
The meeting focused on the MONACOAST satellite project, a strategic initiative designed to reduce the digital divide in the DRC by deploying a national satellite to deliver high-speed internet access across the country, particularly in underserved rural and remote regions.
MONACOAST Project: Bridging the Digital Divide in the DRC
The Monacost Project is a cornerstone of the DRC’s digital transformation strategy. Through the deployment of satellite services, the program aims to:
- Expand internet coverage nationwide
- Improve digital connectivity in rural areas
- Strengthen technological independence
- Ensure national data sovereignty
Fidelity Bank’s role in the project will focus on financing digital economy initiatives, supporting innovative projects, and driving financial inclusion through accessible and reliable financial services.
Fidelity Bank’s Long-Term Commitment to the DRC
During the meeting, Fidelity Bank’s MD Nneka Onyeagali-Ikpe reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to the DRC. She emphasized that Fidelity’s entry into the Congolese market will not only support the government’s digital economy ambitions but also provide:
- Easier access to financing for SMEs
- Reliable digital tools for businesses
- A stronger and more inclusive financial ecosystem
Strengthening Digital Cooperation with Monaco
This partnership builds on a November 2024 cooperation agreement signed between the DRC’s Ministry of Digital Economy and MonacoSAT, the Monegasque operator behind the satellite project.
The cooperation protocol ensures the deployment of satellite services across the DRC, reinforcing the country’s vision of becoming a leader in digital connectivity and technological resilience.
Minister Kibassa Maliba’s Vision for a Digital DRC
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba highlighted the critical role of the digital economy in the country’s development:
- Connectivity as a driver of inclusion and competitiveness
- Data security as a foundation for sovereignty
- Digital services as a catalyst for innovation and growth
He emphasized that the launch of the MONACOAST project represents a major milestone in the modernization of the DRC’s digital infrastructure. By improving connectivity, the government aims to reduce the digital divide, promote social inclusion, and strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness at both regional and global levels.
