08 July 2022

The Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), which will see the two parties explore ways to improve satellite communication services and accelerate digital inclusion in the country and across Africa.

According to GSOA secretary-general Aarti Holla-Maini, the agreement will facilitate the development of satellite communication services in Rwanda and provide support to the RSA to ensure that satellite spectrum are used for sustainable development.

In its report The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2021, the GSM Association (GSMA) revealed that mobile internet penetration was just 28% in 2020 while the mobile penetration rate was 46%. However, telecom operators and governments are looking for solutions to allow people access to telecom services, especially those living in rural areas with little or no terrestrial telecom service coverage.

The deal comes two years after the RSA was created, making Rwanda one of the few African countries with a space agency. Other African countries with space agencies, include Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.