Brazzaville visit spotlights Congo digital economy
In Brazzaville, a delegation from the National Assembly’s Legal Affairs Commission visited two public digital institutions on January 16: the Digital Economy Development Agency (ADEN) and the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA). The goal was to verify their effective operation and viability.
- Brazzaville visit spotlights Congo digital economy
- After the minister’s hearing, lawmakers go on site
- ADEN role: startups and a growing digital ecosystem
- CARIA seen as promising, but texts still awaited
- Working conditions and institutional viability raised on site
- Parliamentary support sought to keep projects on track
The inspection took place as part of Parliament’s mission to oversee government action. It followed the commission’s hearing of the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, according to the Congolese Information Agency (ACI).
After the minister’s hearing, lawmakers go on site
Deputy Juste Bernardin Gavet said the field visit helped confirm the institutions’ real, operational presence. For the commission, seeing offices, teams and ongoing activities is a practical step in assessing whether newly created public bodies can deliver on their mandates, as described by ACI.
The delegation’s trip also aimed to better understand the sector’s priorities on the ground, beyond administrative texts. In a fast-moving digital landscape, lawmakers signaled they wanted a clear picture of what is working, what is missing, and what support is needed to keep momentum.
ADEN role: startups and a growing digital ecosystem
During the visit, Deputy Gavet praised the government’s vision for developing the digital economy and for expanding digital services in everyday life. He highlighted ADEN’s importance in supporting startups and strengthening the broader digital ecosystem, ACI reported.
For many young urban residents, startup support is not an abstract policy topic. It can shape access to training, mentorship, and new services that simplify daily tasks. The commission’s interest suggests a focus on making digital policy visible through concrete tools and institutions.
CARIA seen as promising, but texts still awaited
Lawmakers also assessed CARIA, which was described as having promising projects. At the same time, Deputy Gavet noted difficulties linked to the absence of certain implementing regulations, which can be essential for stabilizing a public institution’s work and clarifying procedures and responsibilities.
In institutional life, such texts often determine how programs are launched, how partnerships are signed, and how resources are managed. The commission’s observation points to a practical issue: research ambitions may require a complete legal and administrative framework to operate at full capacity.
Working conditions and institutional viability raised on site
The visit brought up other challenges. According to Deputy Gavet, one concern is the precarious working conditions of managers and staff at ADEN. For CARIA, the lack of implementing texts was again mentioned as a weakness affecting long-term viability.
These points were presented as areas to improve rather than as a rejection of the institutions. The tone from lawmakers emphasized verification and adjustment, consistent with a control mission meant to strengthen public action and ensure that digital institutions can meet expectations over time.
Parliamentary support sought to keep projects on track
Deputy Gavet said he would continue advocating so the two structures can fully play their roles and help position the Republic of the Congo as a significant player in the digital economy. In his view, effective functioning is necessary to support the ecosystem and keep the country at the forefront of technology.
Speaking after the visit, Minister Léon Juste Ibombo said the delegation was able to grasp the stakes and needs of the digital sector in a context he described as crisis. He called for continued parliamentary support to secure budgets needed for the development of the digital economy, ACI reported.
For residents watching the cost of living and the pace of modern services, the message is clear: digital development is linked to resources, organization and staff stability. The commission’s feedback, combined with the minister’s request for support, frames the next steps as a matter of coordination and follow-through.
