Angola’s Secretary of State for Telecommunications, Mario Oliveira has called for the implementation of a satellite sharing system for members of the Southern African Development Community(SADC), as it will not only guarantee better communication and quick access to information in member countries, but will also boost sustainable development in the sub-region and Africa as a whole.

He made the call at the ongoing joint International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and SADC Satellite System Sharing framework, in Luanda on Monday. According to him, the satellite sharing system is necessary for member countries to advance in the space industry. He also asked that the workshop be extended to other countries in the region, to benefit the health system, agricultural education and space industry in these countries.

In his speech, George Ah-Thew, SADC Senior Coordinator for Science, Technology and Information, said SADC countries are drafting the policies for the satellite sharing system and hope to carry out implementation after the exercise.

Meanwhile, the call for satellite sharing system comes as Mozambique’s National Meteorology Institute (INAM) announced early this month that it is shifting from the former satellite system to the new one provided by China, which will allow for more accurate predictions on the weather forecast, climate change and potential natural disasters.

This is a developing story. Space in Africa will publish more details about the satellite sharing system and the outcome of the summit in Luanda.