The DRC census funding initiative, announced on 23 March 2026 in Kinshasa, marks a critical step for Central Africa’s largest country. The African Development Bank Group pledged significant financial support to enable updated population data collection and institutional capacity building after more than 40 years without a national census.
AfDB Funding Anchors Long-Delayed National Census
The African Development Bank Group confirmed an $80 million contribution to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s second General Population and Housing Census. The announcement was made during a donor roundtable bringing together international and regional partners in Kinshasa. This funding represents a substantial portion of the $200 million total commitments secured for the project.
Additionally, the census marks the first such national exercise since 1984, highlighting a prolonged data gap in one of Africa’s most populous nations. As a result, updated demographic data is expected to reshape policy planning, resource allocation, and governance strategies across Central Africa.
Population Growth Underscores Urgency of Data Collection
Since the last census in 1984, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced significant demographic expansion. Meanwhile, current estimates place the population at over 112.8 million people, nearly four times the earlier recorded figure. This rapid growth has intensified the need for accurate and reliable national data systems.
Consequently, policymakers face increasing challenges in planning public services, infrastructure, and economic development without updated demographic insights. Therefore, the census is positioned as a foundational tool for evidence-based governance and long-term national planning.
Population Growth and Census Investment Overview
| Indicator | Value | Context |
| Last Census Year | 1984 | More than 40-year gap in national data |
| Estimated Population | 112.8 million | Nearly fourfold increase since 1984 |
| AfDB Contribution | $80 million | Major share of $200 million commitments |
| Government Contribution | $30 million | Mobilised from national budget |
Funding Split Supports Operations and Institutional Capacity
Of the total $80 million commitment, $50 million will directly fund census operations across the country. Meanwhile, the remaining $30 million is allocated to strengthening national institutions, including the National Institute of Statistics and planning and evaluation bodies. This dual approach aims to ensure both execution and long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, capacity-building efforts will target systems involved in planning, programming, budgeting, and monitoring. As a result, the census is expected to strengthen institutional frameworks beyond the immediate data collection process.
- Operational Funding: $50 million allocated to nationwide census implementation and data collection logistics
- Institutional Support: $30 million dedicated to strengthening statistical and governance systems
International Partners Reinforce Central Africa Data Agenda
In addition to the African Development Bank Group, other major international institutions pledged support for the census initiative. Meanwhile, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations contributed to the broader funding pool. Côte d’Ivoire also committed technical assistance, including data collection equipment and knowledge exchange.
Consequently, the coordinated international response reflects growing recognition of the importance of reliable data for development across Central Africa. This collaboration is expected to enhance both technical execution and long-term institutional resilience.
Leadership Frames Census as Sovereignty and Governance Tool
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo described the census as a defining national moment during the Kinshasa roundtable. Meanwhile, he emphasised the importance of accurate data in enabling effective governance and public service delivery. His remarks positioned the census as central to state capacity and policy precision.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
“Far from being a simple technical or administrative exercise, this event marks a moment of truth for our country.” The census will help the nation better understand itself and improve governance outcomes.
Additionally, the African Development Bank Group highlighted its commitment to ensuring transparent and sustainable implementation.
Mohamed Coulibaly, Country Programme Officer for DRC
“This is a historic moment… to ensure the effective, transparent and sustainable implementation of this exercise.” The Bank will support institutional strengthening alongside data collection.
Moving Forward
The DRC census funding initiative represents a major step toward closing a decades-long data gap in Central Africa. Meanwhile, the combined financial and institutional support is expected to enable more accurate planning and improved governance outcomes.
Additionally, the success of the census will depend on effective coordination among national institutions and international partners. As a result, the initiative could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to modernise data systems and strengthen policy frameworks.
Sources: African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Research combines AI-assisted analysis with human-edited accuracy and context.
