Helios Towers is set to invest $110 million in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2026, highlighting growing international interest in the country’s telecom infrastructure and connectivity market.
The investment comes as the DRC works to expand digital access, with internet penetration at about 30% and millions of people, particularly in rural areas, still beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.
The country’s 2026–2035 National Connectivity Strategy aims to connect approximately 68 million rural residents, creating significant opportunities for telecom infrastructure providers.
Helios Towers’ planned investment forms part of a broader wave of capital entering the sector. Eastcastle Infrastructure has also committed an additional $100 million over the next 18 months to develop telecom tower infrastructure in the DRC.
The country is also seeing new approaches to connectivity. On August 14, Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, providing direct-to-phone satellite connectivity for services such as SMS and low-data applications in areas outside traditional network coverage.
With major infrastructure investments and emerging satellite solutions, the DRC’s telecom sector is increasingly attracting global players seeking to tap into the country’s substantial connectivity and digital growth potential.
Source : www.forbesafrica.com
