DRC initiates nationwide census mapping agent recruitment for 2027 headcount
- Politics
The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a critical step toward conducting its first nationwide population census in over four decades. The government officially launched the recruitment of agents for the census mapping phase on June 1, 2026, with the actual headcount scheduled to begin in July 2027.
Why this census matters
The Second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2) represents a landmark initiative for the country, according to Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of State for Planning and Development Coordination. Speaking at a press conference to unveil the recruitment drive, he emphasized that accurate population data is vital for informed policymaking and sustainable development.
“This operation will allow us to achieve greater precision in our data, obtain more reliable information, and enhance our ability to serve the population and govern our nation effectively,” the minister stated. “The census has always been a priority, but we needed to create the necessary conditions to make it happen. Today, those conditions are met.”
The last census conducted in the DRC dates back to 1984, leaving the country with outdated demographic information. The United Nations recommends conducting a census every decade to ensure accurate planning and resource allocation.
Mapping the path forward
The current phase focuses on recruiting skilled professionals to conduct the census mapping, which will define the boundaries of enumeration areas across the country. The government is seeking a range of experts, including:
- Training specialists to educate field agents
- Cartography operators to delineate enumeration zones
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists for data management
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) assistants to support digital tools
The recruitment process will prioritize competence, merit, and transparency. Applications will be evaluated based on clearly defined criteria, with the submission deadline set for June 7, 2026. Interested candidates can apply through the dedicated platform at recrutement.rgph.cd.
“We are committed to conducting this recruitment with absolute integrity, fairness, and equal opportunity,” Nyembo assured. “No fraud, favoritism, or discrimination will be tolerated.”
A national opportunity
Beyond collecting demographic data, the census will serve as a catalyst for local employment and skill development. The government is encouraging qualified individuals, particularly young people and women, to seize this opportunity and contribute to the nation’s progress.
“This initiative will mobilize thousands of local talents across the country,” Nyembo explained. “We are committed to promoting local recruitment to ensure that every province benefits from this national effort.”
The census process will unfold in four key phases, with mapping activities beginning in Kinshasa before expanding to other provinces. The enumeration phase, scheduled for July 2027, will mark the culmination of this long-awaited initiative.
The total cost of the census operations is estimated at $192 million, posing a significant financial challenge. The government is actively seeking additional funding from technical and financial partners to ensure the smooth execution of this critical national project.
The DRC’s commitment to conducting a nationwide census aligns with a key promise made by President Félix Tshisekedi prior to his election. This long-overdue initiative aims to provide the country with the data it needs to plan for a more prosperous and equitable future.
