EAC’s initiative: Launching regional satellite to enhance connectivity

The primary goal of the proposed shared satellite by the East African Community (EAC) is to provide secure internet access to regional government services during crises such as cyberattacks and natural disasters that disrupt terrestrial internet connectivity. Additionally, the satellites aim to deliver broadband connectivity in areas where traditional internet access is unavailable within the region.
Fibre cable connected to patch. Telecommunication concept.

The East African Community (EAC) has collectively committed resources to establish a shared satellite for internet services across the region. This decision emerged from the Joint Ministerial meeting of the ICT Infrastructure Development cluster under the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs), held on 9 November 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Hosted by Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, the high-level meeting included representatives from member states such as South Sudan’s ICT Minister, Hon Michael Makuei Lueth, and Mr Gordon Kalema, Director General of Digital Transformation from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda.

Under the leadership of Uganda’s ICT Minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the meeting brought together Information and Communication Technology ministers from East Africa to assess the progress of infrastructure projects to significantly boost the region’s socio-economic development. A notable outcome was the ministers’ commitment, as stated in the joint communique, to streamline the processes for establishing a regional satellite dedicated to communication. This satellite is intended to offer reliable broadband internet services and broadcasting capabilities, highlighting a key initiative for the region’s technological advancement.