ARPTC: Affirms Youth IGF DRC 2026 Digital Governance Commitment

• The Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo (ARPTC) participated in the fourth Youth IGF DRC on August 20, 2026, in Kinshasa.
• ARPTC's representative, M. Riff NTAMBWE, stressed the necessity of youth involvement in internet governance and promoting open, inclusive digital frameworks.
• Key forum discussions covered connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, and personal data protection, with ARPTC highlighting the importance of an appropriate regulatory framework for digital trust.
• Recommendations included improving access, developing infrastructure, and strengthening skills in AI and cybersecurity.
• ARPTC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth digital skill development and their participation in shaping the DRC's digital future.

He articulated that digital trust is built upon a multifaceted foundation, encompassing the security of networks and systems, the presence of an appropriate regulatory framework, the design of services with inherent security and privacy-by-design principles, and the responsible conduct of users.

The Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo (ARPTC) recently affirmed its dedication to fostering inclusive digital governance during the fourth edition of the Forum des Jeunes sur la Gouvernance de l’Internet en RDC (Youth IGF DRC). Held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Silikin Village Auditorium in Kinshasa, the event convened a diverse array of stakeholders under the theme “Youth, Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Governance.”

As a long-standing partner of the Youth IGF DRC since its inaugural session, the ARPTC was represented by M. Riff NTAMBWE, its Director of Regulation and Legal Affairs. M. NTAMBWE stepped in for the President of the College, M. Christian KATENDE, who was unable to attend. The forum adopted a hybrid format, drawing participation from young people, government officials, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, international bodies, and various actors within the digital ecosystem.

During the opening ceremony, M. Riff NTAMBWE underscored the critical importance of fully integrating the youth into discussions and decision-making processes concerning internet governance. He advocated for the promotion of an open, inclusive, and participatory framework for digital governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the ARPTC's vision for Congo internet governance youth engagement.

The forum's agenda delved into several pivotal aspects of the RDC's digital transformation, including connectivity and infrastructure, digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, personal data protection, digital trust, and the cultivation of youth leadership. These discussions reflect the ARPTC's broader focus on developing a robust and secure digital environment.

In a panel dedicated to establishing a trusted internet for Congolese youth, M. NTAMBWE specifically emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding personal data and preserving privacy. He articulated that digital trust is built upon a multifaceted foundation, encompassing the security of networks and systems, the presence of an appropriate regulatory framework, the design of services with inherent security and privacy-by-design principles, and the responsible conduct of users. This focus on ARPTC data protection RDC signals a clear direction for future regulatory attention.

Discussions during the forum yielded several key recommendations aimed at advancing the RDC's digital landscape. These included calls for enhancing access and connectivity, developing and mutualizing digital infrastructures, strengthening competencies in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science, and fostering a genuine culture of digital security among the populace.

Concluding the event, M. Riff NTAMBWE, speaking on behalf of the ARPTC, reiterated that trust forms one of the fundamental pillars of the nation's digital transformation. He provided assurances that the Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo would remain responsive to recommendations falling within its mandate and competencies. Furthermore, he committed the ARPTC to continue supporting initiatives designed to enhance the digital skills of young people and to encourage their active participation in forums shaping the country's digital future.

The day concluded with an international outlook, marked by the announcement of the upcoming global Internet Governance Forum edition, further contextualizing the local efforts within a broader worldwide dialogue on digital governance.

Businesses operating in the DRC's digital sector should note ARPTC's reaffirmed commitment to inclusive digital governance, data protection, and cybersecurity, signaling potential future regulatory developments and increased scrutiny in these areas, particularly concerning youth engagement and the need for an appropriate regulatory framework.

Source: Original reporting via ARPTC website