GGPEN Signs MoU with RASCOM to Enhance Connectivity for African Nations

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From (L-R) Mr Timothy Adi Ashong, the Director General of RASCOM and Dr Zolana João, the Director General of GGPEN, signing the MoU

The Angolan National Space Programme Management Office (GGPEN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM). This MoU aims to enhance connectivity for African nations, develop mutually beneficial partnerships for training, innovation, and space science and technology research.

The agreement was signed by Dr Zolana João, the Director General of GGPEN, and Mr Timothy Adi Ashong, the Director General of RASCOM, during the Angolan ICT and Space Conference (ANGOTIC), which is currently taking place in Luanda, Angola.

In addition, the MoU includes sharing satellite infrastructures to enhance African nations’ access to satellite services and connectivity. Similarly, it involves commercially transferring satellite capacity in the C or Ku band between ANGOSAT-2 and the RASCOM satellite.

Key Details of the MoU

According to the MoU’s terms, effective for five years with a possible five-year extension, both parties agreed to:

  1. Collaborate to improve communication infrastructures and satellite services in Africa, focusing on connectivity and access. This includes telecommunications, TV broadcasting, and broadband Internet services.
  2. Sale of Satellite Capacity: Explore opportunities for the joint resale of satellite capacity on the African continent to support improving satellite communication services. This will help enhance connectivity for African nations.
  3. Jointly develop capacity-building programs and training for African professionals to enhance satellite technology and space-related knowledge.
  4. Strengthen collaborative research and innovation and support projects on satellite technology, space exploration, and socio-economic development in Africa.
  5. Facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge, best practices, and data on satellite communication, space science, and technology.
  6. Collaborate on projects to leverage their combined resources, knowledge, and capabilities. Address critical challenges and opportunities in satellite communication and space exploration.
  7. Collaborate on regulatory issues for satellite communications and space activities in Africa to harmonize regulations and promote compliance.
  8. Raise public awareness of the benefits of satellite technology and space science in Africa through educational outreach programmes.

This MoU aligns with GGPEN and RASCOM’s common interests, strengthening their leadership in the continental and international space ecosystem. Furthermore, it contributes to economic and social development while creating opportunities and jobs for young professionals across the continent.