Local and Foreign Contracted Satellites in the African Space Industry
The African space industry is growing at a remarkable rate. This growth is evident in the increasing number of satellites Africans have launched in the last few years. The ever-rising government allocation to the space industry is a further testament to the coming-of-age of the local space industry. The local satellite manufacturing industry is, however, stunting Africa’s drive towards…
A Glimpse into the NewSpace Sector with NewSpace Systems CEO, James Barrington-Brown; An Interview
NewSpace Systems (NSS) is an advanced manufacturer of robust satellite subsystems and components. NSS is particularly strong in the area of Attitude Determination and Control Solutions (ADCS). The NewSpace company, based in South Africa predominantly focuses on excelling in the operational constellation market. NewSpace Systems is a trusted supplier of components and sub-systems to the…
How has ASAL fared 19 years after its establishment?
Algeria, through the commendable achievements of its National Space Agency (ASAL), has positioned itself as one of the most revered African nations when it comes to space exploration. The Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) was created in Bouzareah, Algiers, in January 16, 2002, by Presidential Decree No. 02-48.
The ASAL is responsible for establishing and maintaining the country's space infrastructure…
Bernard Wright, Managing Director of GeoGecko Discuss How the Company is Contributing to the Agricultural Sector in Africa
Geo Gecko is a Ugandan based company delivering geo-intelligence around the world using big data, satellite imagery and drones. Space in Africa had a chat with Bernard Wright, the Founder and Managing Director of the company, to discuss its operations and the company's contributions to sectoral development in Africa.
Please walk me through what the company does.
We are Geo Gecko. We are helping…
How to increase women’s participation in data science and STEM fields
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has begun. And Africa is not only lagging; the continent also lacks skilled human resources, especially women, that would enable it to take advantage of this technological advancement.
The World Economic Forum (WEF), in its 2020 Global Gender Gap report, projects that it will take sub-Saharan Africa 95.1 years and North Africa 139.9 years to close their…
PremiumFree, a free-to-air satellite TV, to launch in South Africa on May 1
PremiumFree, a free-to-air satellite television, is set to launch in South Africa on May 1, 2021, with 18 channels. It will launch with a potpourri of content ranging from sport, movies, telenovelas and drama series to kids' content, gospel, comedy and reality programming.
AfricaXP, a leading African digital content distributor and themed linear channel creator, owns PremiumFree TV. In 2018, it…
African countries should prioritise these space technologies
The late leadership consultant and Bahamian minister Myles Munroe made the statement which has now become a truism. He said, “Where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable”. And answering why usually reveals the purpose of a thing. Hence, it was imperative for the African Space Strategy and Policy to state why Africa needs to join the space conversation meaningfully.
However, in some cases,…
Highlights of the 4th African Space Generation Workshop
In collaboration with its sponsors and partners, the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) held the 4th African Space Generation Workshop (AF-SGW) on February 25–26, 2021, at the GIMPA Conference Hall Accra, Ghana.
The 4th AF-SGW ought to have held in November 2020, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hence, a call for a hosting city has been put out for the 5th AF-SGW. The…
SES reports €1.876 billion in revenue and €208 million in net profit for FY 2020
SES S.A., a satellite and terrestrial telecommunications network provider, released its consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2020, on Thursday.
The financial statement released shows the Luxembourg-based telecommunications company made €1.876 billion in revenue and €208 million in adjusted net profit. Compared to the €1.984 billion revenue and €395 million adjusted…
Liquid Telecom launches $820 million bond, EAIF commits to buy up to $50 million
The Liquid Telecommunications Financing Plc has launched a bond and term loan financing package totalling $820 million. The money raised will support the growth and refinance of its parent company's debt, Liquid Telecommunications Holdings Limited.
The bond and financing package launched on Tuesday comprises $600 million senior secured notes and $220 million equivalent of South African-rand…