On September 30, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Minister of State for Planning and Coordination of Development Aid, Guylain Nyembo, and Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, convened a dinner meeting with media leaders. The focus was on the role of media in supporting the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2). The ministers emphasized the need for professionalism and rigor in reporting census-related information, stressing fact-checking and vigilance against misinformation.
The meeting included interventions from the two ministers and the coordinator of the Central Bureau of Census (BCR), followed by a Q&A session. Media representatives sought clarification on various aspects of the census process, including differences between statistical census, administrative identification, and electoral enrollment, as well as distinctions between census mapping and enumeration. The media pledged to support the process by providing clear and verified information to their audiences.
A follow-up workshop is planned for journalists and editorial leaders to deepen their understanding of RGPH-2 and provide them with necessary tools and contacts. This initiative aims to ensure that media coverage of the census is accurate and informative. The RGPH-2 is a critical process aimed at producing updated data on population and housing to inform public policy and development planning.
The census data will help assess the needs of territories in terms of schools, healthcare services, water, housing, and other essential infrastructure. In Kinshasa, census mapping operations began on September 28, 2026, with agents tasked with identifying and geolocating buildings, households, infrastructure, and access roads to prepare enumeration areas.
The general population enumeration is scheduled for July 2027. The ministers' call for accurate reporting underscores the importance of reliable data for development planning. By engaging with the media, the government aims to ensure that the public has a clear understanding of the census objectives, processes, and modalities.
The media's role in supporting the census is crucial, as they can help disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation. By working together, the government and media can promote a better understanding of the census and its significance for the country's development.
The RGPH-2 is a vital exercise that will provide valuable insights into the country's population and housing needs. With the support of the media, the government is confident that the census will be a success, and the data collected will be used to inform policies and programs that benefit the population.
Key points
- The DRC government is engaging with media to promote accurate information on the national census.
- The census aims to produce updated data on population and housing to inform public policy and development planning.
- Media support is crucial for the success of the census, as they can help disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation.
