Tshisekedi orders audit of state computer systems
DR Congo president seeks to identify security flaws and protect sensitive state data amid rising cyber threats.
President Félix Tshisekedi ordered an audit of public digital infrastructure on October 23, 2026, to find security weaknesses and safeguard state data. International alerts about cyber threats, including espionage and sabotage, prompted the move. Ministers of Posts and Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, will lead the audit with specialized bodies to identify critical vulnerabilities and propose urgent protection measures.
The Ministries of Interior and National Defense will enhance surveillance of their sensitive computer systems, supported by security and intelligence services. The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) must secure public finance management platforms, payment systems, and critical IT infrastructure. Tshisekedi also called for permanent early warning mechanisms, coordinated incident response, and public agent awareness.
This initiative addresses limited digital modernization in DR Congo, which ranked 179th out of 193 countries in a 2024 UN e-government survey. Interpol's 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report noted AI facilitates 55% of reported cybercrimes across 36 countries, with financial losses doubling to $484 million USD since 2024. Cybersecurity is a pillar of the 2026-2030 National Digital Plan, backed by $1 billion USD in public resources and over $500 million USD in external aid.
Why it mattersThe audit aims to protect sensitive state data from cyber threats like espionage and sabotage, affecting public services and financial platforms.