Africa: Strengthening Christians
Africa has millions of Christians, but there is a great shortage of Bibles. Many believers do not have their own copy to read or share. Together with local churches, City Bibles provides Bibles, New Testaments, and evangelistic materials so that Christians can grow spiritually and reach others.
DR Congo
- Has one of the largest Bible shortages in the world
- Evangelism among street children
- More than 60% of the population is under 25 years old
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Capital: Kinshasa
- Population: ~111 million
- Official language: French
- Major languages: Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba
General Information
The DRC is the second-largest country in Africa by area and one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. It borders nine countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
Languages
French is the official language. National languages include Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba, spoken by millions across different regions. City Bibles provides Bibles in French and these regional languages.
History
The country was a Belgian colony as the “Congo Free State” under King Leopold II, later Belgian Congo. It became independent on June 30, 1960. Since then, the country has faced political instability, conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
Religion
About 95% of the population is Christian (mainly Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal). There are also Muslim minorities and traditional African religions.
Other Facts
- Rich natural resources such as cobalt and copper are vital to the economy.
- The Congo River is the second-largest river in the world by volume.
- Despite its wealth in resources, poverty and instability are widespread.
Oeganda
- Enormous demand for Bibles
- With just €6 we can print and distribute one Bible
- 85% of the population is Christian
Uganda
- Capital: Kampala
- Population: ~48 million
- Official languages: English, Swahili
- Most spoken local language: Luganda
Uganda has a young population and an active church landscape, but many communities still lack Bibles in understandable languages. We provide English, Swahili, and Luganda — in print as well as via QR keychains that give access to our Bible App.
General Information
Uganda, also called the “Pearl of Africa,” is located in East Africa and borders DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Kenya. The capital is Kampala. When it is 12:00 in the Netherlands (daylight saving time), it is 13:00 in Uganda (UTC +1).
Languages
The official languages are English and Swahili. Luganda is widely spoken around the capital Kampala. There are more than 40 local languages. City Bibles provides Bibles in English, Swahili, and Luganda.
History
Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 9, 1962. In the 1970s, Idi Amin was dictator. Since 1986, Yoweri Museveni has been in power.
Religion
About 85% of the population is Christian (Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal). Around 12% are Muslim. In addition, there are traditional religions and small Hindu, Bahá’í, and Jewish communities.
Other Facts
- The economy relies mainly on agriculture, supplemented by services and industry.
- The largest lake is Lake Victoria.
- The landscape consists mainly of high plateaus (average 1100 m).
Kenia
- High need for Bibles
- Many young people
- High smartphone penetration makes QR keychains very effective
Kenya
- Capital: Nairobi
- Population: ~56 million
- Official languages: English, Swahili
General Information
Kenya is located in East Africa and borders Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. It has a coastline along the Indian Ocean. The capital is Nairobi.
Languages
The official languages are English and Swahili. There are dozens of local languages, including Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba, and Maasai. City Bibles provides Bibles in English and Swahili and is expanding digitally into local languages.
History
Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom on December 12, 1963. Jomo Kenyatta became the first president. Since then, the country has developed into a regional business and political hub.
Religion
About 85% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Catholic). Around 11% are Muslim, especially along the coast and in the northeast. There are also traditional religions and small Hindu and Sikh communities.
Other Facts
- Kenya has one of the most diverse economies in Africa, with agriculture, services, and tourism as key sectors.
- The Great Rift Valley runs through the country and shapes its geography.
- Kenya is famous for its wildlife and national parks.