Census 2027 in the Democratic Republic of Congo: mapping agents recruitment kicks off
The Democratic Republic of Congo is advancing toward its second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2) with the official launch of recruitment for census mapping agents. This strategic move sets the stage for the nationwide population count scheduled for July 2027, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s data-driven development journey.
Why the 2027 census matters for the DRC
Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Coordination, emphasized the critical importance of this census during a June 1st press conference announcing the recruitment drive. The last population count in the DRC took place in 1984—over four decades ago—and current data no longer reflects the nation’s demographic realities.
The minister highlighted that reliable, up-to-date statistics are essential for effective governance and development planning. The United Nations recommends conducting a census every ten years, a standard the DRC is now preparing to meet with this long-overdue operation.
Mapping the path to accurate data
The current phase focuses on cartographic mapping, a crucial preparatory step that will define enumeration areas across the country. This groundwork will ensure comprehensive coverage when the actual population count begins in July 2027. Alain Akpadji, UNFPA Representative in the DRC, joined the minister in stressing that this phase represents a significant milestone in making the census a national reality.
