Agenda

Schedules

Everything Counts

Day 1

Opening Remarks

● Welcome Address by RASCOM Director General
● Keynote Speech by Space in Africa Representative

Keynote Addresses from Minister

  • African Ministers of Communication and Digital Spaces
  • Discussion on Bridging Africa’s Connectivity Gap

Networking Coffee Break

  • Late Morning Session: Current Status of Satellite Connectivity in Africa

Panel Discussion

  • State of SATCOM: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities
    Summary: The African satellite communications (SATCOM) sector is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by increasing demand for broadband connectivity, digital transformation initiatives, and the expansion of satellite-based services across industries. This panel will examine the current state of SATCOM in Africa, highlighting market expansion, key investments, and the role of regulatory frameworks. It will also address persistent challenges such as spectrum allocation, affordability, infrastructure gaps, and competition with terrestrial networks. Finally, the discussion will examine opportunities for operators, governments, and investors to leverage SATCOM to bridge connectivity divides, enhance economic development, and support emerging applications in IoT, broadcasting, and remote sensing.

  • Speakers: Industry leaders, policymakers, and academia

Lunch Break

  • Afternoon Session: Economic and Technical Perspectives

Technical Presentations

  • Emerging Trends in Satellite Technology & Connectivity

  • Africa’s satellite connectivity landscape is rapidly developing, shaped by advancements in satellite technology and innovative service delivery models. This presentation will analyse key trends, including the rise of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, software-defined satellites, and advancements in high-throughput satellite (HTS) capacity. It will also examine the impact of AI-driven network optimisation, the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, and the growing role of cloud-based solutions in satellite communications. Furthermore, the presentation will highlight how these trends reshape connectivity in Africa, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, governments, and consumers while addressing persistent challenges such as affordability and infrastructure limitations.

  • Presenters: Presentations from leading satellite technology providers

Panel Discussion

Satellite technology is a critical enabler of Africa’s digital transformation, providing connectivity where terrestrial networks fall short.

 
Key Discussion Points
● This panel will examine how satellite solutions contribute to universal broadband access, bridging the digital divide in remote and underserved areas.
● It will also explore the need for policy and regulatory harmonisation to create a conducive environment for satellite operations across the continent.
● Additionally, discussions will highlight opportunities for collaboration between governments, private sector players, and international organisations to drive digital transformation.
● Finally, the panel will assess strategies for optimising satellite resources and monitoring systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maximise impact in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and e-governance.

Network and Exhibition

Day 2: Innovation, Collaboration and Policy Discussions

Industry Showcase

● Exhibitions by regional and international SatCom companies

Product demonstrations and interactive sessions

 

Networking Coffee Break

Roundtable Discussion

● Collaboration to Foster Connectivity: Policy and Innovation

This session will explore how policy and innovation can drive collaboration to expand satellite connectivity across Africa. Participants will discuss the role of governments, industry leaders, and international partners in shaping policies that foster investment, improve spectrum access, and enhance regulatory harmonisation. The session will highlight innovative solutions to bridge connectivity gaps, promote digital inclusion, and support critical sectors like education, healthcare, and economic development. Finally, discussions will focus on strengthening local and international partnerships to create a more sustainable and inclusive satellite ecosystem for Africa.

● Facilitated by the African Union Commission

 

Lunch Break

Panel Discussion

● Regulatory and Policy Framework for SATCOM in Africa
The panel will discuss challenges like licensing, frequency allocation, and differences in regulations across the continent. It will also discuss ways to create better policies, encourage investment, and work with international partners to improve satellite connectivity across the continent.

● Panelists: Government officials, industry experts, and legal advisors

Workshop

● Developing Robust Service Ecosystems for Africa’s SATCOM Market
This workshop will be focused on building a strong and sustainable satellite communications (SATCOM) service ecosystem in Africa. Discussions will focus on best practices for service delivery, the importance of standardising technologies and processes, and ways to improve operational efficiency. Participants will share insights on overcoming challenges, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring reliable and scalable SATCOM solutions across the continent.
● Participants will discuss best practices, standardisation, and operational efficiency.

Interactive Session

Session 1: Presentation

Topic: WRC-27 Agenda Items on Satellite Issues for Africa
Duration: 45 minutes
Presenter: ITU Satellite Expert or Regional Satellite Policy Advisor
Focus:

  • This session will provide an overview of the key satellite-related agenda items for the WRC-27 and their implications for Africa. It will identify critical issues that African countries should prioritise for advocacy and strategic preparation to ensure fair access to satellite resources and regulatory support for the continent’s growing space sector.
  • Discussions will explore the importance of space sustainability and address challenges such as orbital debris management, spectrum congestion, and long-term satellite operations. The session will also emphasise the need for collaborative policies that promote efficient satellite deployment while safeguarding Africa’s space environment.
  • Additionally, the session will highlight the role of shared satellite monitoring systems and collaborative resource utilisation in enhancing operational efficiency and security. It will also discuss best practices for cooperation between African nations and international stakeholders to optimise spectrum use, improve satellite management, and ensure Africa’s active participation in shaping global satellite policies.

Session 2: Panel Discussion
Topic: Industry Perspectives on WRC-27 Satellite Agenda
Duration: 45 minutes
Moderator: [Insert Name]
Panellists: Representatives from four satellite operators (e.g., SES/Intelsat, Viasat, NigComSat, and RASCOM)

Discussion Points:

  • This session will provide insights from industry leaders on the key satellite-related agenda items for WRC-27 and their potential impact on Africa’s satellite sector. They will share updates on the latest regulatory discussions and how they could shape satellite operations, connectivity, and market growth across the continent.
  • Discussions will explore operators’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging regulations, including their potential effects on investment, service deployment, and market competition. Panelists will also examine how Africa can take a more proactive role in influencing global satellite policies, ensuring fair spectrum allocation and regulatory frameworks that support regional growth.
  • The session will highlight the growing importance of sustainability in satellite spectrum management, focusing on strategies to mitigate spectrum congestion, enhance orbital resource management, and promote responsible satellite operations. Finally, discussions will cover the need for coordinated satellite monitoring and spectrum-sharing strategies, emphasising the role of regional and international collaboration in maximising efficiency and ensuring long-term satellite sustainability.

Day 3: Future Outlook and Site Visit

Keynote Address

Aligning SATCOM with AU Agenda 2063: Opportunities and Challenges

A representative will deliver this keynote address from the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and will address the role of satellite connectivity in supporting AU initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and how the African Space Agency can play a role in satellite connectivity across the continent.

Presentation

Developing Policy Recommendations for Future Growth

This presentation will explore best sustainability practices for Africa’s satellite industry while exploring frameworks for shared satellite infrastructure and monitoring systems. Key recommendations addressed will include harmonising spectrum management and licensing through bodies such as the ATU to ensure efficient use of resources and incentivising public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development while establishing frameworks for cross-border collaboration to expand satellite coverage.

 

Networking Coffee Break

Closing Ceremony

● Summary of key insights and actionable outcomes
● Closing Remarks by the Organising Committee

Site Visit

Site Visit to NigComSat Ground Station Headquarters
● Guided tour of facilities and demonstrations of satellite operations
● Q & A session with NigComSat technical staff.