Yahsat and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa, Signs MoU to Support Satellite Communication Operations

sKey Highlights

• Yahsat and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa signs an MoU to support mutual satellite communications activities.
• The agreement will support Yahsat’s expansion into South Africa.

Yahsat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa, to strengthen cooperation in various satellite communication operations. 

The MoU was signed by Sulaiman Al Ali, Yahsat’s Chief Commercial Officer, and Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director General of South Africa’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies in Johannesburg, South Africa. The agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing the collaboration between the two entities. The agreement focuses on a broad range of areas for cooperation, including partnering on satellite and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-related services, satellite broadband connectivity, Internet of Things, geospatial applications, High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), and Earth Observation Satellites. 

MoU to Boost Satellite Communication Infrastructure and Collaboration between Yahsat and South Africa

The MoU also focuses on creating a framework for exploring the potential of building ground stations in South Africa to operate satellites, collaborate on the manufacturing of devices and antennae, and exchange skills and investment.

“We are excited to finalise the MoU, highlighting the strong relationship between our two countries It is an exciting step forward in Yahsat’s relationship with South Africa and the wider continent to advance satellite communication operations . The mutually beneficial agreement will enable Yahsat to expand its presence in South Africa, work even closer with our partners to develop infrastructure and skills, and enhance communications capabilities in the country,” stated Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat.

Mondli Gungubele, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, highlighted the growing importance of satellite communications in Africa’s development. According to him, “Technology is now connecting isolated and underprivileged communities with essential services such as e-learning, telemedicine, e-commerce, and more. The MoU represents a significant step towards the future, as countries on the continent begin to establish their space tech sectors, promising exciting technological advancements.”

The MoU agreement follows a previous successful delegation visit by the Government of South Africa delegation in early May led by His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The delegation included senior government ministers, heads of several departments, and Brainwave Projects South Africa, the Public Sector service partner in South Africa.