RDC gears up for 2027 census with agent recruitment drive
The Democratic Republic of Congo is taking a major step toward conducting its first population census in over four decades. The government has officially launched the recruitment of agents for the census mapping phase, with the full enumeration process scheduled to begin in July 2027.
During a press conference in Kinshasa, Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Coordination, emphasized the critical importance of this operation. He stated that reliable population data is essential for effective governance, development planning, and resource allocation.
why the census matters
The last official census in the DRC was conducted in 1984, and the United Nations recommends that countries conduct a census at least every ten years. The upcoming enumeration, known as the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2), will provide the most accurate population figures in nearly 42 years.
Minister Nyembo pointed out that the census will enable the government to:
- Develop more precise national development plans
- Allocate resources more efficiently
- Improve public service delivery
- Implement targeted policies for vulnerable populations
the role of mapping agents
The recruitment drive focuses on hiring specialized agents to carry out the cartographic mapping phase. These professionals will be responsible for:
- Creating accurate enumeration area boundaries
- Ensuring full geographic coverage of the country
- Collecting preliminary demographic data
- Supporting the eventual enumeration process
The positions available include:
- Training of trainers
- Cartography operators
- Geographic information systems (GIS) specialists
- Information and communication technology (ICT) assistants
commitment to transparency and meritocracy
The government has stressed that the recruitment process will be conducted with strict adherence to principles of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity. Candidates will be evaluated based solely on their qualifications and merit. The application deadline is set for June 7, 2026, and interested individuals can submit their applications through the dedicated portal at recrutement.rgph.cd.
Deputy Prime Minister Nyembo reassured the public that the process will be free from favoritism, fraud, or any form of discrimination. He emphasized that the census represents a national priority and called on qualified Congolese, particularly youth and women, to participate in this historic effort.
a milestone for development
With a total estimated cost of $192 million, funding for the census remains a significant challenge. The government is actively engaging technical and financial partners to secure additional resources through a coordinated “Basket Fund” mechanism. This fund will ensure that financial contributions are pooled and directed exclusively toward census activities.
The 2027 census is more than just a data collection exercise; it is a cornerstone for the DRC’s development agenda. It will provide the foundation for evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning across all sectors of the economy.
As the mapping phase gets underway, the government is calling on all citizens to support and take ownership of this transformative national initiative.
