ARPTC: Youth IGF DRC 2026 Engagement Fosters Inclusive Digital Governance

• The ARPTC participated in the fourth Youth IGF DRC on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Kinshasa, focusing on youth, digital sovereignty, and inclusive governance.
• Mr. Riff NTAMBWE, ARPTC's Director of Regulation and Legal Affairs, represented the Authority and emphasized youth involvement in Internet governance discussions.
• Key forum topics included connectivity, digital inclusion, AI, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and digital trust.
• Mr. NTAMBWE highlighted that digital trust relies on secure systems, an appropriate regulatory framework, privacy-by-design services, and user responsibility.
• The ARPTC committed to considering forum recommendations and continuing support for youth digital skills development and participation in national digital future discussions.

He further elaborated that the foundation of digital trust is multifaceted, resting on several key pillars, including the inherent security of networks and systems, the presence of a comprehensive and appropriate regulatory framework, the design of services that embed security and privacy from their initial conception, and the active responsibility of users themselves.

The Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo (ARPTC) recently underscored its dedication to fostering an inclusive digital environment by actively participating in the fourth edition of the Youth Internet Governance Forum in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Youth IGF DRC).

This significant ARPTC Youth IGF DRC 2026 engagement took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Silikin Village Auditorium in Kinshasa. The event, conducted in a hybrid format, convened a diverse assembly of participants, including young people, government representatives, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and international bodies, all united under the theme: "Youth, Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Governance."

Mr. Riff NTAMBWE, the ARPTC's Director of Regulation and Legal Affairs, represented the Authority at the forum, stepping in for Mr. Christian KATENDE, the President of the ARPTC College, who was unable to attend. The ARPTC has been a consistent partner of the Youth IGF DRC since its inaugural edition, highlighting its long-standing commitment to nurturing a robust and equitable digital ecosystem in the nation.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. NTAMBWE emphasized the critical importance of fully integrating young people into the discussions and decision-making processes concerning Internet governance. He advocated for an open, inclusive, and participatory approach to digital governance, aligning with the ARPTC gouvernance numérique inclusive objectives and setting a clear direction for the Authority's ongoing focus on empowering the next generation in the digital sphere.

The forum's agenda encompassed a broad spectrum of crucial topics vital to the Democratic Republic of Congo's digital transformation. These discussions ranged from enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development to strategies for achieving digital inclusion, exploring the implications of artificial intelligence, and addressing the paramount areas of cybersecurity and personal data protection. The cultivation of digital trust and the development of youth leadership within the digital realm were also central to the proceedings.

Mr. Riff NTAMBWE ARPTC played a pivotal role, specifically contributing to a panel dedicated to constructing a trustworthy Internet for Congolese youth. In his intervention, he highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding personal data and preserving individual privacy, directly addressing the `RDC protection données personnelles ARPTC` priority.

He further elaborated that the foundation of digital trust is multifaceted, resting on several key pillars, including the inherent security of networks and systems, the presence of a comprehensive and appropriate regulatory framework, the design of services that embed security and privacy from their initial conception, and the active responsibility of users themselves. This holistic perspective underscores the ARPTC's strategic approach to `cybersécurité RDC ARPTC` and broader digital integrity.

The collaborative discussions throughout the event culminated in several significant recommendations aimed at propelling the DRC's digital landscape forward. Participants called for enhanced access to and improved connectivity across the nation, alongside the development and shared utilization of digital infrastructure. A strong emphasis was placed on the necessity of strengthening skills in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science, recognizing these as crucial for future growth.

Furthermore, the forum advocated for fostering a genuine culture of digital security among the populace. Beyond simply using technology, young people were specifically encouraged to transition into active roles as innovators and creators of solutions, thereby contributing directly to the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This perspective positions youth as key drivers rather than mere consumers of digital advancements.

Concluding the event, Mr. Riff NTAMBWE, speaking on behalf of the Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo, reiterated that trust forms a cornerstone of the ongoing digital transformation. He provided assurances that the ARPTC would carefully consider all recommendations falling within its mandate and competencies, signifying the Authority's dedication to translating forum insights into actionable policies.

The ARPTC also pledged to continue its support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital skills of young people and facilitating their meaningful participation in national dialogues concerning the country's digital future. This reinforces the ARPTC Youth IGF DRC 2026 engagement as part of a broader, sustained effort to empower the next generation. The day's proceedings concluded with an announcement regarding the upcoming global Internet Governance Forum, hinting at future international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

This article signals the ARPTC's continued and strengthened focus on inclusive digital governance, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital trust in the DRC. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor upcoming ARPTC regulatory initiatives and guidance in these areas, particularly concerning services impacting youth, as this indicates where new compliance obligations or enforcement priorities are likely to emerge.

Source: Reporting based on ARPTC communications