Telecommunications in the DRC: usage transformation, value reallocation and digital taxation challen
Telecommunications in the DRC: usage transformation, value reallocation and digital taxation challen
The telecommunications sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, driven by the expansion of mobile services and the increasing adoption of digital technologies.
Mobile subscriptions have risen from 28.2 million in 2013 to nearly 74 million in 2025, while total sector revenues have reached approximately USD 2.4 billion.
This shift reflects a gradual transition toward digital usage, supported by smartphone penetration, improved connectivity, and the development of digital services.
In this context, sector growth is increasingly volume-driven, while unit revenues - particularly in the voice segment - have declined.
The expansion of mobile money further illustrates this trend. While transaction volumes are growing rapidly, operators capture only a limited share of the total value generated, pointing to ongoing monetization challenges and evolving value-sharing dynamics.
Available estimates suggest that the effective average tax rate (EATR) reaches approximately 97%, and may exceed 110% depending on the methodology used.
In a sector increasingly driven by volumes and sensitive to pricing, the design of tax instruments plays a critical role in balancing sector development and public revenue mobilization.
Advisory Supervisor, BDO DRC
Blaise MBATSHI
Country Senior Partner & Managing Director de BDO RDC
Mobile subscriptions have risen from 28.2 million in 2013 to nearly 74 million in 2025, while total sector revenues have reached approximately USD 2.4 billion.
A structural transformation of the sector
Beyond market expansion, the sector is undergoing a profound transformation in its revenue structure. Data services have become the main growth driver, now accounting for more than 50% of total revenues, compared to around 14% in 2016.This shift reflects a gradual transition toward digital usage, supported by smartphone penetration, improved connectivity, and the development of digital services.
In this context, sector growth is increasingly volume-driven, while unit revenues - particularly in the voice segment - have declined.
A reconfiguration of the value chain
The analysis also highlights a reallocation of value within the sector. Operators positioned in high-usage segments, particularly data, capture an increasing share of revenues.The expansion of mobile money further illustrates this trend. While transaction volumes are growing rapidly, operators capture only a limited share of the total value generated, pointing to ongoing monetization challenges and evolving value-sharing dynamics.
Taxation challenges in a transforming sector
The telecommunications sector is a significant source of public revenue in the DRC, but it is also characterized by a relatively high level of effective taxation compared to international benchmarks.Available estimates suggest that the effective average tax rate (EATR) reaches approximately 97%, and may exceed 110% depending on the methodology used.
In a sector increasingly driven by volumes and sensitive to pricing, the design of tax instruments plays a critical role in balancing sector development and public revenue mobilization.
Insights for policymakers and investors
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the telecommunications sector in the DRC, focusing on:- usage dynamics and business model transformation
- revenue structure and competitive landscape
- sectoral taxation challenges
- implications for public and private stakeholders
Sources
This analysis is based on data and publications from:- Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications of Congo (ARPTC)
- Ministry of Budget of the DRC
- Central Bank of the Congo (BCC)
- FERDI - Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Advisory Supervisor, BDO DRC
Blaise MBATSHI
Country Senior Partner & Managing Director de BDO RDC
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