DRC Launches First Census in 40 Years with $30M UNFPA Backing

DRC Launches First Census in 40 Years with $30M UNFPA Backing

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has embarked on a historic endeavor by launching its first national census in over four decades. This initiative, supported by a $30 million fund from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is poised to transform development planning across this vast central African nation. The last census was conducted in 1984, leaving the DRC without reliable population data for many years.

A Historic Commitment

In an exclusive interview with Africanews, UNFPA representative Diene Keita highlighted the significance of this undertaking. “This is a historic moment,” she stated. “For the head of state to commit $30 million directly into the census fund, managed by UNFPA, is extraordinary. It’s a bold act of sovereignty and a clear signal that the DRC wants to plan its future based on facts, not estimates.

Reaching Citizens in Conflict Zones.

Conducting a census in the DRC presents unique challenges, particularly in regions like the eastern part of the country, which remains under the control of M23 rebels and is difficult to access. However, UNFPA is leveraging modern technology and local partnerships to ensure an accurate count of the population.

We are using geospatial data and artificial intelligence to map areas that are otherwise inaccessible by road or river,” Keita explained. The involvement of community leaders, from governors to religious and traditional figures, is critical in reaching every corner of the country.

Tangible Benefits for Congolese.

The census is far more than a bureaucratic task; it promises substantial benefits for the Congolese people. According to Keita, the data collected will guide the placement of essential services such as schools, medical centers, and infrastructure, ensuring that resources reach even the most remote communities.

For women, the census could lead to improvements in maternal health services and reduce risks like obstetric fistula. For the youth, the project is creating thousands of temporary jobs, providing a rare boost in employment opportunities. “Every resource, whether national or international, can now be designed to reach the last mile,” Keita noted.

Implications for Governance and Development.

Accurate population data is a cornerstone of good governance, as emphasized by Keita. “Guesswork is no longer acceptable. African countries that want to be respected internationally must start with reliable data,” she asserted. Knowing the real population of the DRC will fundamentally change how policies are designed and implemented.

Despite challenges such as corruption and limited development funding, the DRC’s investment in this census is being hailed as a positive example for the continent. “Seeing a country commit to its future, even during difficult times, gives me hope for Africa,” Keita added. This initiative could set a precedent for other African nations aiming to enhance their governance and development through reliable data.