Satellite connectivity can play a transformational role in enabling more Africans, in both rural and urban areas, to access the internet and unlock all the opportunities linked to the digital economy. Satellite connectivity can improve education, by streaming educational content, and make payments possible through mobile operators who make use of satellite backhaul technology or through the connectivity they provide directly to ATMs and banks. Satellites also have a critical role to play in mitigating climate change – satellite imagery and data can track deforestation and alert governments to imminent danger. Governments are making use of the internet to provide services to their citizens; satellite connectivity helps make this possible in rural areas, where terrestrial infrastructure is either unfeasible or too expensive. African policymakers and regulators can support the satellite industry by creating a progressive regulatory framework that clearly articulates the compliance requirements and provides the required spectrum at a reasonable cost. Lastly, the industry needs to ensure that it transfers its knowledge and best practice to African satellite operators and regulators, ultimately promoting the growth of Africa’s home-grown satellite industry.
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