DRC launches census mapping agent recruitment for 2027 national survey

Kinshasa, June 3, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially launched the recruitment process for census mapping agents, marking a critical step toward conducting the nation’s first population survey in over four decades.

Nation’s first census since 1984

The government announced that the general population enumeration, the core of the Second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2), is scheduled for July 2027. This long-awaited operation follows the last census conducted in 1984, with the United Nations recommending a decennial population survey.

Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development, confirmed that all preparations are now complete for the census to proceed without delays. Speaking at a press conference in Kinshasa, he emphasized the operation’s strategic importance for national development planning.

Why this census matters

The RGPH-2 will provide critical data needed for:

• Accurate population statistics for policy formulation
• Infrastructure development planning
• Resource allocation across provinces
• Monitoring progress toward national development goals

“This census will give us precise information about our population size, living conditions, and geographic distribution. We need reliable data to guide our development policies and ensure no Congolese is left behind in our national progress.”

Key positions open for recruitment

The government is seeking qualified professionals to fill several critical roles:

• Master trainers to lead training sessions
• Cartography specialists using GIS technology
• IT assistants to support data collection systems
• Field enumerators for on-the-ground data collection

Minister Nyembo stressed that the recruitment process will prioritize meritocracy, transparency, and equal opportunity. All applications must be submitted through the official portal at recrutement.rgph.cd by June 7, 2026.

“We will not tolerate any form of favoritism or irregularities. Every candidate will be evaluated based solely on qualifications and professional competence.”

A national development priority

The census represents a significant investment opportunity for the country, with the government aiming to:

• Create temporary employment for thousands of skilled workers
• Encourage youth and women participation in national development
• Strengthen local capacity in data collection and analysis

The total estimated cost for the census operations is $192 million, with the government seeking additional funding from technical and financial partners to ensure successful completion.

Next steps in census preparation

Following the recruitment phase, mapping operations will begin in Kinshasa before expanding to other provinces. The full enumeration phase is scheduled to commence in July 2027, with all data expected to be finalized within 12 months.

This census initiative aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitments to improve governance and development planning through evidence-based policymaking.