The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun the preparatory phase of its population census, an operation not conducted for over 30 years. This census, scheduled to be completed by July 2027, aims to accurately determine the country’s population, already recognized as the most populous in the Francophone world.
The Congolese government places great hopes in this enumeration, which, according to Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of Planning and Development Aid Coordination, will enable better local development planning. He, who is responsible for the operation, discussed this initiative during a visit to Paris.
The census is a crucial step for the DRC, where precise demographic data has been lacking for several decades. Such data is essential to guide public policies and coordinate development aid in a country experiencing rapid population growth.