DRC census 2027: government recruits mapping agents for nationwide population count

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is advancing its second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2), with the government officially launching the recruitment of mapping agents. This critical phase precedes the nationwide enumeration scheduled for July 2027.

The announcement was made by Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Coordination, during a press conference held on June 1, 2026. Speaking alongside Alain Akpadji, UNFPA Representative in the DRC, he emphasized the census as a strategic tool for governance and national development planning.

Why the census matters

The last census was conducted in 1984, and UN guidelines recommend a population count every decade. The RGPH-2 aims to provide accurate, up-to-date demographic data essential for:

• Formulating evidence-based public policies
• Planning infrastructure and resource allocation
• Tracking population growth and distribution
• Evaluating social and economic development progress

“This operation will allow us to improve data accuracy and better serve our populations through more effective governance,” stated Nyembo Mbwizya.

Key roles in the mapping phase

The government is recruiting highly skilled professionals for the mapping phase, including:

• Master trainers to lead training sessions
• Cartography operators to delineate enumeration areas
• GIS specialists to manage spatial data
• ICT assistants to support data collection systems

These agents will conduct fieldwork to define precise boundaries for enumeration zones, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all provinces.

Transparency and meritocracy in recruitment

The minister reassured the public that the recruitment process will be conducted with full transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity. Applications are open until June 7, 2026, and must be submitted through the official platform: recrutement.rgph.cd.

“No fraud, favoritism, or discrimination will be tolerated. Only competence and merit will guide the selection,” he affirmed.

A national priority with local impact

The government sees this census not only as a statistical exercise but as an opportunity to:

• Empower local talent through temporary employment
• Encourage youth and women to participate in nation-building
• Strengthen data-driven decision-making across sectors

Nyembo Mbwizya highlighted the importance of local recruitment: “We need agents who are disciplined, committed, and driven by public service.”

The mapping phase, which follows the partner roundtable held earlier, will be rolled out progressively across provinces before the main enumeration begins in mid-2027. This initiative aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi’s long-standing commitment to conducting a modern population census.

Funding and sustainability

The total cost of the RGPH-2 is estimated at $192 million. While part of the funding has been mobilized, the government is seeking additional support through a Basket Fund to ensure timely and high-quality execution.

The DRC is determined to complete its first census in over four decades, fulfilling a promise made to the Congolese people and fulfilling international obligations.