DR Congo becomes the 22nd associate member of the INF and the ninth nation to hold the status in Africa.

"Welcome to the International Netball Federation Family and we look forward to on-going netball development in the Democratic Republic of Congo," the INF said when confirming the announcement.

The approval of DR Congo’s application takes the INF to 79 members in total.

This is comprised of 57 full members and the 22 associate member nations.

The INF says membership has many benefits, including access to development grant funding, kit and equipment, plus access to technical expertise and opportunities to compete internationally.

The INF says the governing body and its respective regional federations are keen to welcome new members and support them in developing netball.

DR Congo comes under the Netball Africa regional group, with members working within Africa and following the INF strategic plan for the sport.

Other netball nations without membership are also represented among the regional bodies.