How has Vodacom contributed to more digital and internet connectivity within the DRC, especially in rural areas?

After 23 years in the DRC, Vodacom has established itself as the largest operator, reaching close to 24 million subscribers (36% of the market base). Vodacom has been at the forefront of fiber connectivity. We are working with two African WASP consortiums to connect the DRC to major internet hubs in Cape Town (South Africa), Mombasa (Kenya), and others. These consortiums manage undersea fiber optic cables running along the coasts of Africa, carrying traffic from the DRC through the Atlantic Ocean (west coast) and Indian Ocean (east coast).

We have also continued our focus on rural community empowerment. Over the past decade, we have also deployed solar and battery systems to power about 1,000 rural sites.

What is Vodacom’s role in the mining sector?

We see ourselves as an enabler for the mining industry, both from a connectivity and telecoms services perspective, but also from a financial services and digital inclusion one. Our role extends to the entire ecosystem that gravitates around a mine, including the local communities.

Vodacom has also developed dedicated mining solutions. In conjunction with Standard Bank and Glencore, we launched HR platform Umoja. Umoja allows companies to share live information without disrupting the course of its core activity which is mining. In other words, employees gain access to payroll, training modules, real-time messaging while remaining on their respective working stations . The platform has already been implemented at Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) and Mutanda Mining (MUMI), with over 8,800 employees connected.

In addition, we offer terrestrial connections with speeds of up to 500 Mbps for rapid deployment, as well as satellite solutions for remote coverage, backup, safety monitoring, and secure communication.

We also provide Infrastructure-as-a-Service through our Lubumbashi data centers, hosting servers for the mining industry and other verticals with scalable capacity, leased lines, resilient power and advanced cooling. 

We also enhance mobile device connectivity in off-grid regions by deploying solar-powered stations, which we refer to as Ultra Low Cost Sites. These stations provide reliable internet access and enable customers to independently purchase data bundles, all powered by solar systems designed for autonomy and efficiency in areas without electrical infrastructure. 

Another key offering is financial solutions, tailored to companies of all sizes, for bulk payments, salary disbursements, and payments to subcontractors.

What are some of the main programs under the Vodacom Foundation?

One of the flagship initiatives under the Foundation is Je Suis Tech (“I am Technology”), which has run 40 digital classes and offered 275 scholarships since 2018.  Je Suis Tech has been deployed in conjunction with the Ministry of Higher Education. Another program we are very proud of is “Code Like a Girl,” which introduces young girls to computer use, web page development, and coding. To date, over 5,336 girls have participated in Code Like a Girl, and we plan to scale this initiative to 6,000 girls by the end of 2025. 

In addition, the Vodacom Foundation’s commitment to inclusion is exemplified by the 'JE SUIS CAP' campaign, which has been running for three years in partnership with the Ministry of People Living with Disabilities. Through this initiative, 1,500 women living with disabilities have received training in basic technology skills, smartphone usage, and practical applications of M-PESA as a financial empowerment tool. Participants are also equipped with starting capital, enabling them to launch small businesses and contribute meaningfully to the country's development. 

Separately, Vodacom has been working for almost four years with the Kadea Academy, offering training to around 10,000 people in digital skills, innovation, and inclusion. 

Do you have a final message for the mining community?

A few years ago, Vodacom started transitioning from solely a product and connectivity supplier to a technology and solutions provider for mining, offering a broad range of products and services. We continue to expand and strengthen our network and develop digital end-to-end solutions for the entire mining ecosystem, including local, rural, and urban communities around mining operations. Our approach is guided by a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the DRC’s mining sector, and a commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable growth.