The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken steps to raise awareness about the upcoming second general census, with a meeting held in Kinshasa on September 17, 2026, for key stakeholders. The meeting was led by Minister of State for Planning and Development Coordination, Guylain Nyembo. The goal was to gain political support and make those present ambassadors for spreading the word among the population.
Nyembo emphasized that the census is crucial for providing the country with up-to-date demographic data to guide public policy and investment. He stressed that the census is a statistical operation separate from electoral matters. The data collected will help identify population needs and plan infrastructure, schools, and hospitals more effectively. He also highlighted the importance of demographic data for sovereignty and public decision-making.
Henri Marie Kazadi Mutombo, national coordinator of the Central Bureau of Census, noted that over 42 years have passed since the first general census in the DR Congo. The second general census, or RGPH-2, involves four stages: preliminary, preparatory, general enumeration, and post-enumeration. The process is currently in the preparatory phase, with several management structures already established, including the National Census Commission and provincial and decentralized structures.
The government has been engaging with various stakeholders to ensure a successful census. This includes a meeting with major telecom operators in the country, such as Africell, Airtel, Orange, Vodacom, and Global Broadband Solutions. These operators have expressed their willingness to support the census by sending SMS and using other communication channels to raise awareness among the population.
As part of the preparatory phase, the cartographic census is set to begin in Kinshasa on September 21, 2026. Teams will work to identify and locate households, dwellings, and infrastructure in preparation for the general enumeration of the population. This step is critical for the success of the census and will provide essential data for development planning.
The involvement of various stakeholders, including telecom operators and political actors, is seen as crucial for the success of the census. By working together, the government aims to ensure that the census is comprehensive and accurate, providing a reliable basis for future development initiatives. The census is expected to have a significant impact on the country's development trajectory.
The DR Congo's second general census is a significant undertaking aimed at updating the country's demographic data. With the preparatory phase underway and support from various stakeholders, the government is optimistic about the success of the census. The data collected will be essential for planning and development, enabling the government to make informed decisions about resource allocation and infrastructure development.
Key points
- The DR Congo's government is mobilizing for the second general census to update demographic data for better development planning.
- The census involves four stages: preliminary, preparatory, general enumeration, and post-enumeration.
- Telecom operators have expressed their willingness to support the census by sending SMS and using other communication channels.
