Globalization, telecommunications, and the DRC

A GLOA 101 research project examining cellular tower expansion, multinational enterprise, and digital infrastructure through the lens of In Koli Jean Bofane's novel, Congo, Inc.

Nguyen Pham

Introduction

Globalization describes the growing connections between people, economies, and technologies around the world. In Congo Inc.: Bismarck's Testament, In Koli Jean Bofane explores globalization through the experiences of Isookanga, a young Ekonda man living in a remote village in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After a telecommunications tower is built near his village, Isookanga becomes fascinated with computers, email, and the internet.

This project examines how telecommunications development in the DRC reflects globalization. By connecting the novel with research from international organizations, academic studies, and documentary evidence, this project demonstrates how technology creates both opportunities and challenges for people in the Congo.

 

Telecommunication in Congo, Inc

Explore how the telecommunications tower and Isookanga's fascination with computers and the internet symbolize globalization in the novel.

Telecommunication in DRC

Examine how telecommunications, mobile phones, and global technology networks connect the DRC to the rest of the world.

Technology and Globalization

Examine how telecommunications, mobile phones, and global technology networks connect the DRC to the rest of the world.

Sources and Bibliography

View the academic journal, World Bank report, UN report, documentary, and novel used to support this research project.

About the GLOA 101 project

This GLOA 101 project examines cell tower development in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its connection to globalization. Through Congo, Inc., academic research, and international reports, the project explores how technology is changing communication, economic opportunities, and daily life in the DRC.

Infrastructure and narrative

In Congo, Inc., the telecommunications tower built near Isookanga's village symbolizes the arrival of globalization in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through Isookanga's interest in computers, email, and the internet, Bofane shows how technology connects remote communities to global networks. Supported by research from the World Bank, United Nations reports, academic studies, and documentary evidence, this project examines how telecommunications infrastructure creates new opportunities for communication and development while also revealing challenges related to resource extraction, inequality, and globalization.

"Connectivity in the DRC is not merely technical; it reflects historical resource flows and international corporate priorities that date back over a century."

Infrastructural analysis

"Isookanga’s digital journey in Congo, Inc. highlights the paradox of being hyper-connected to global fantasies while grounded in everyday precarity."

Literary critique

"The uneven geographic density of cellular towers exposes the selective nature of globalization across urban and rural provinces."

Spatial findings

Examine the research data

Learn how the telecommunications tower in Congo, Inc. connects to real-world developments in digital connectivity, globalization, and technological change in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Academic feedback and inquiries

Project focus

GLOA 101 Global Affairs Seminar
Focus Region: Kinshasa & Eastern DRC