Could an African Spaceport Be the Answer to Growing Launch Demand? (Part One)
Source: SpaceX
The global space sector is projected to surpass USD 1.8 trillion by 2035, reflecting rapid expansion driven largely by growing demand for space technology. Satellite applications, in particular, have emerged as a primary growth driver, spanning multiple sectors including communications, Earth observation, military intelligence, and scientific exploration. This growth has been…
DRC Satellite Project with Monacosat Attracts Up to USD 400 Million in Financing
Source: SSI-Monaco
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing its digital connectivity needs through a partnership with Monacosat to develop a dedicated national communications satellite. The project has already drawn financial commitments of up to USD 400 million from a partner bank, according to Monacosat's representatives. The funding would support the launch of a dedicated…
Tanzania Issues Guidelines for Satellite Landing Rights Authoriation
Source: TCRA
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has released a comprehensive framework detailing the process and guidelines for obtaining Satellite Landing Rights Authorisation within the United Republic of Tanzania. The guidelines, issued in July 2025, aim to provide clarity for foreign satellite operators seeking to offer satellite capacity over Tanzanian territory.…
Paratus Launches “Connect2Care” Solution to Provide LEO Satellite Connectivity for Health Centres Across Africa
Source : Paratus
Paratus Group, a leading pan-African telecommunications provider and authorised reseller of Starlink, has launched "Connect2Care", an affordable (LEO) satellite connectivity for health clinics and community centres across Africa.
This breakthrough initiative will cover seven African countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, and…
NASRDA and GalaxySpace Sign MoU to deploy Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Communication in Nigeria
Source: NASRDA
Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has partnered with GalaxySpace, a Chinese satellite operator, to introduce Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication services across the country. The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja, aims to deliver satellite-based connectivity directly to users' devices,…
Elon Musk Eyes Launch Opportunities from South Africa’s Western Cape
Source: Joe Skipper/Reuters.
Elon Musk has expressed strong interest in possibly launching SpaceX rockets from South Africa’s Denel Overberg Test Range near Arniston, a move that could strengthen the country’s emerging role in the global space economy. Following a high-profile diplomatic exchange between former President Donald Trump and South African officials, the proposal was raised…
Eutelsat Group Expands Connectivity Footprint with New Earth Station in Angola
Dignitaries participate in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony during the commissioning of the New Earth Station in Luanda, Angola
Eutelsat Group has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Earth station at the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone (ZEE), marking a major milestone in Angola’s telecommunications and digital transformation journey. Developed through a strategic partnership…
South Africa Proposes Equity Equivalent Model to Ease B-BBEE Requirements for ICT Sector
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. Source: Department of Communications & Digital Technologies
On 23 May 2025, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi unveiled a draft policy direction in the Government Gazette proposing an alternative to the stringent Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) ownership requirements for the ICT…
Airtel Africa and SpaceX Partner to Expand Satellite Connectivity Across Africa
Source: Starlink
Airtel Africa has announced a partnership agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to customers across its operational footprint in Africa. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding digital access on the continent, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach regions.
To operationalise this milestone, SpaceX has…
Day Three of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference: Event Excerpts
Cross section of panelists discussing "Unlocking Capital for Africa's space industry. Photo credit: Iyanuoluwa Ipadeola for Space in Africa
The third day of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference built on the success of the previous days to continue high-level discussions highlighting the experiences and uptake of space innovation, technologies, and applications among different stakeholders.…