DRC launches recruitment drive for census mapping agents ahead of 2027 population count
- Politics
The Democratic Republic of Congo is advancing toward its first population census in over four decades, with the recruitment of mapping agents now underway. The comprehensive count is scheduled for July 2027.
The census, known as RGPH-2, represents a critical milestone in the country’s development planning. Speaking at the launch of the recruitment drive, Minister Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya emphasized that reliable demographic data is essential for effective governance and resource allocation.
The last census in DRC was conducted in 1984, and the United Nations recommends conducting a census every ten years. The RGPH-2 aims to provide accurate population figures, living conditions, and geographic distribution across the entire national territory.
Why this census matters
The census will enable the government to make informed decisions on infrastructure development, public policy formulation, and equitable resource distribution. Minister Nyembo highlighted that the process will involve:
- Training mapping specialists and supervisors
- Establishing precise enumeration areas
- Leveraging geospatial technologies for accurate data collection
- Ensuring broad national participation
Key roles to be filled
The recruitment targets professionals in:
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Training and supervision
- Field operations
The government stresses that candidates will be evaluated based on merit and technical competence. Applications will be accepted until June 7, 2026, through the official portal at recrutement.rgph.cd.
A national priority with youth opportunities
Minister Nyembo underscored that this initiative is a national priority and an opportunity to engage local talent, particularly young professionals and women. The census process is designed to create temporary employment for thousands of Congolese citizens while promoting transparency and meritocracy in recruitment.
The government has assured that the selection process will be free from favoritism, discrimination, or irregularities. The recruitment will be conducted locally to ensure wide provincial representation, beginning with Kinshasa before expanding nationwide.
Funding and future phases
The census project has an estimated budget of $192 million, with ongoing efforts to mobilize additional funding from technical and financial partners. A ‘Basket Fund’ mechanism has been proposed to consolidate contributions and ensure efficient resource utilization throughout the census phases.
The RGPH-2 consists of four key phases:
- Partnership mobilization and funding
- Mapping agent recruitment and training
- Population enumeration
- Data processing and dissemination
This initiative aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitments to modernize governance and development planning in the DRC.
Related Articles
