Q-KON and Rivada Partner to Bring Outernet Connectivity to Africa
Q-KON, a leading provider of satellite-based connectivity solutions in Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rivada Space Networks, the developer of the cutting-edge Outernet LEO satellite constellation, to deliver ultra-secure, high-performance connectivity solutions across Africa.
Under this partnership, Q-KON will leverage Rivada’s Outernet to enhance data network resilience, support secure infrastructure needs for sensitive sectors like banking and finance, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives throughout the continent.
Outernet’s multi-gigabit bidirectional performance and global reach, paired with end-to-end data security, will empower enterprises and governments with next-generation communications infrastructure that combines the speed of fibre with the reach and flexibility of satellite. Q-KON sees this collaboration as key to unlocking new business models and specialised applications requiring elevated security and guaranteed performance.
Dr Dawie de Wet, Group CEO of Q-KON, commented:
“We are pleased to start working with Rivada to develop specialised LEO solutions for Africa’s advanced enterprise, industry, and government markets and to complement our growing Twoobii LEO Smart Satellite Services portfolio. We view the Outernet as an evolution on the LEO architecture roadmap that will follow on and advance the industry from the classic broadband LEO services currently being deployed in Africa, to unlock bespoke and high-security service-specific user applications.”
The Rivada Outernet is a unique, gateway-less LEO constellation featuring inter-satellite laser links, onboard processing, and a space-based optical mesh network that keeps data in orbit from origin to destination. This design offers unprecedented levels of security, bypassing terrestrial infrastructure and the public internet entirely, thus ensuring privacy by design.
Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks, said:
“We are delighted to partner with Q-KON to support the development of communications across Africa. Rivada’s Outernet is what data communications have been waiting for – a game-changing constellation that redefines connectivity in terms of security, latency, capacity, efficiency, and coverage. As a completely new type of LEO constellation, the Outernet can provide Africa with a next-generation digital infrastructure for secure, resilient communications and network expansion.”
As data sovereignty and network resilience become increasingly critical across the African digital ecosystem, Q-KON and Rivada aim to provide the continent with a future-ready communications framework capable of powering innovation, supporting essential infrastructure, and enabling inclusive connectivity growth.
About Rivada Space Networks
Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true “Outernet”: a global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellation, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks.
About Q-KON
Q-KON is a leading satellite engineering company with over 30 years of experience, pioneering Smart Satellite Solutions across Africa. We deliver resilient and innovative services by tailoring global satellite technology to the unique needs of the African business landscape. Our flagship service, Twoobii, provides reliable connectivity for remote and underserved regions, supporting businesses, industries, and governments.