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To meet the challenge of affordable internet access for all, the country will lead the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) until 2028, funded to the tune of $100 million by the World Bank. The benefits are eagerly awaited, especially by the economic sector.
From our correspondent in Brazzaville,
On Avenue Simon Kibambangou in the second arrondissement of Brazzaville, a stone’s throw from the Commission market, the young Gloire Ness, 21, runs a cybercafé in a narrow space.
It offers three hours of connection at 1,000 CFA francs, less than 2 euros. But on a daily basis, he is confronted with power cuts. And, the quality of its Internet leaves something to be desired. ” Customers often report that it’s a bit slow. But, we only do with it. [Les fournisseurs] try to improve, but it still doesn’t work complains Glory.
Gloire Ness is aware of the start of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN). Over five years, the PATN will increase underserved populations’ access to high-speed internet, as well as improve the government’s ability to deliver digitally-enabled services. ” I can say that it is a great project that can help people who would like to progress in terms of internet access. If this project is reliable, I would like it to bring us fluidity in the connection “Hopes Glory.
« Ensuring connectivity for all citizens »
The PATN has three components, the second of which is explained here by Francis Seck Mangouani, project coordinator: “ The connectivity component! In this component, we will connect what are called “white areas”; areas where economic operators, in relation to their specifications, are not currently obliged to cover because it is not profitable for them. Therefore, the State having the universal service obligation must therefore ensure the connectivity of all citizens », Details Mr. Mangouani.
Director General of the Post and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE), Louis-Marc Sakala believes that the challenge to be met is significant. ” We intend to impact the lives of 2 million people on the national territory. We are going to interconnect all the ministries, all the directorates and administrations. We will also connect 45 post offices and more than 100 schools “, he says.
The merits of the project are defined by Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister in charge of the Digital Economy. ” Accelerating the digital transformation of our country is an urgent response to socio-economic development needs, to challenge the digital divide, poverty and social disparities. “, he specifies.
In addition to the $100 million in financing provided by the World Bank, the PATN will also benefit from 40 million euros thanks to a grant from the European Union and a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), according to the project managers.