DRC Telecommunications Sector to Benefit from Stronger Local Content Oversight Through ARSP-ARPTC Partnership
DRC Agencies Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Congolese Participation in Telecommunications Subcontracting
The Regulatory Authority for Public Procurement Subcontracting (ARSP) and the Authority for Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications of Congo (ARPTC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at improving oversight, promoting local content, and increasing opportunities for Congolese subcontractors in the telecommunications sector.
ARSP Director General Juan Ted Beleshayi Kasanda was received on July 22, 2026, at the ARPTC headquarters by its President, Christian Katende, for a working session focused on improving coordination between the two institutions.
The discussions centred on harmonising the interpretation of legal frameworks and establishing joint mechanisms to strengthen monitoring and control activities within the telecommunications industry.
Christian Katende welcomed the initiative, describing the meeting as an important step toward improving collaboration between the two institutions.
He emphasised the need to expand discussions beyond traditional telecommunications activities to include the broader digital economy, including electronic communications, e-commerce, and emerging technologies.
The ARPTC President said the partnership would help ensure effective monitoring of subcontracting practices, particularly among large companies expected to engage Congolese service providers.
The collaboration will also focus on verifying compliance with local content requirements while encouraging greater participation of national businesses.
He added that creating a supportive environment for local subcontractors remains essential to helping Congolese companies access markets, grow their capabilities, and contribute more meaningfully to the telecommunications value chain.
For his part, ARSP Director General Juan Ted Beleshayi Kasanda said the collaboration aims to create a common understanding of regulatory tools and strengthen coordination between technical teams during future inspections.
He noted that subcontracting opportunities should not be limited to the mining sector, highlighting telecommunications as a strategic and rapidly growing industry with significant potential for local businesses.
“Subcontracting is not limited to mining. It also concerns telecommunications, which is a promising sector with many opportunities.
However, many Congolese subcontractors continue to face challenges accessing markets,” Kasanda said.
The partnership between ARSP and ARPTC is expected to help expand opportunities for Congolese-owned businesses, improve regulatory compliance, and ensure that local companies play a greater role in the country’s digital transformation.
The initiative forms part of ARSP’s broader strategy to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote local content development, and improve governance across key economic sectors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
