Guinea and Chinese Firm Discuss Potential Satellite Project To Enhance Digital Connectivity

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Guinea’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Mrs Rose Pola Pricemou, in discussions with AirSat Technology Group for the development of the country’s satellite project. Source:Ministère des Postes,Télécommunications et de l’Economie Numérique, Guinea

On January 25, Guinea’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy welcomed a delegation from AirSat Technology Group, a Chinese company specialising in commercial satellite solutions, for collaborative talks on developing a satellite project for Guinea. The Minister, Mrs Rose Pola Pricemou, represented the Ministry, while the Airsat Technology Group was led by Dr. Antoine Sovogui, Advisor to the group’s chairman. As outlined by the Ministry, the collaborative satellite project would facilitate large-scale data transmission while facilitating skills transfer and capacity building for Guinea’s aeronautics engineers. 

Furthermore, the partnership would enable engineers to learn about different satellite technology processes, including manufacturing, testing, launch preparation, and satellite technology operations. Additionally, the Minister added that the government has prioritised advancing the country’s digital economy,  with high-speed internet connectivity at the forefront. This satellite project would complement other technologies like fibre optics to help Guinea push for digital sovereignty and modernise its telecommunications infrastructure. 

Africa’s Priority for Satellite Connectivity Solutions

Guinea’s ambitions to enhance the country’s connectivity reflect a broader trend within Africa to utilise satellite technology to achieve this goal. Countries like Algeria, Egypt, Angola and Nigeria have invested significantly in enhancing digital connectivity through government-based satellite projects. Nigeria’s NIGCOMSAT-1R, launched in 2011, has been instrumental in delivering broadband internet access in rural and underserved areas in Nigeria, therefore facilitating digital inclusion. Algeria’s ALCOMSAT-1 has also facilitated support for E-government and public services by connecting over 4000 healthcare facilities in the country, enabling telemedicine services and improving access to medical care in remote regions.

Through the Conecta Angola Programme, Angola’s ANGOSAT-2 has benefited over 366,000 people in remote regions across the country’s 14 provinces, providing telephone and internet services through the programme. Additionally, through the capabilities of the ANGOSAT-2, the satellite has enabled micro and small enterprises to leverage its capabilities by deploying satellite internet services, further fostering digital inclusion. Such government telecommunication satellites have also enhanced educational initiatives by providing internet connectivity to schools in rural areas and significantly enhanced broadcasting and media services, ensuring wider reach and improved signal quality across the respective countries.

Guinea’s interest in developing such a satellite project aligns with the ambitions of several African countries scheduled to launch their communication satellites in the next decade. By launching and operating their own telecommunications satellites, African nations reduce reliance on foreign providers, lowering costs and enhancing sovereignty over their communication networks. Furthermore, this would also support regional collaboration by offering satellite services to neighbouring countries, evident in a few ongoing projects.