The decision was reached at a high-level regional meeting held early this week in Juba, South Sudan, on where Permanent, Principal, and Undersecretaries responsible for ICT infrastructure convened to review the progress of the ambitious satellite project.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of Uganda's Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, and attended by representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda.
The initiative, first directed by Heads of State at the 14th NCIP Summit, is seen as a cost-effective solution to address challenges in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) access, rural broadband connectivity, and regional broadcasting services.
With Africa's rapid digital transformation, the satellite will serve as a cornerstone for connectivity, e-governance, and digital services, reducing reliance on expensive foreign satellite services.
Dr. Zawedde reaffirmed the region's commitment to regional digital transformation, aligning the satellite project with Uganda's National Development Plan priorities, known as ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science & Technology plus ICT).
'We are fully committed to coordinating and monitoring the progress of this strategic initiative, ensuring that the Heads of State directives on ICT integration within NCIPs are effectively implemented,' she stated.
Feasibility study
The meeting endorsed the satellite project and tasked technical teams with finalizing the roadmap and mobilization of funding for a feasibility study. Member states noted that existing regulatory frameworks are favorable for satellite establishment, with flexibility for future amendments if necessary.
The satellite is expected to provide affordable, high-quality broadband internet for schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, and rural communities, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and regional stability.
The Northern Corridor, linking Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC to Kenya's Port of Mombasa, serves a growing population of over 120 million people.
The satellite project, introduced as a directive at the 3rd NCIP Summit, aligns with broader regional ICT infrastructure goals, ensuring East Africa remains at the forefront of technological advancements and economic integration.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ea-moves-toward-launching-regional-satellite
