The digital revolution as a lever for the development of rural communes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: the case of the rural commune of Mabenga

The digital revolution refers to all the transformations brought about by information and communication technologies (ICT), particularly the Internet, mobile telephony, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence. In rural communes, it is regarded as a strategic lever for socio-economic development, especially in developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this African country, rural communes face major challenges related to access to technological infrastructure, training, and digital inclusion. This article analyzes the role of the digital revolution in the development of the rural commune of Mabenga. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, the study identifies the existing constraints and proposes a digital transformation model adapted to the local context and focused on three main pillars, namely digital infrastructure, capacity building, and digital governance. The expected results will demonstrate that the integration of digital technologies into key sectors such as administration, education, and agriculture can significantly improve the living conditions of the population. Thus, the digital revolution will serve as a lever for the development of rural communes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the commune of Mabenga in Kwilu Province. Through this research, our reflection recommends the establishment of digital infrastructure, capacity building, and the development of inclusive public policies as prerequisites for the development of these rural communes.

Cet article analyse le rôle de la révolution numérique dans le développement de la commune rurale de Mabenga en République Démocratique du Congo. À partir d’une approche qualitative et analytique, l’étude identifie les contraintes existantes et propose un modèle de transformation numérique centré sur trois axes : l’infrastructure numérique, le renforcement des capacités et la gouvernance numérique.