Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM) has called on African countries to adopt stronger collective investment strategies in telecommunications infrastructure, warning that the continent’s digital transformation goals cannot be achieved without improved connectivity systems.
The Director-General of RASCOM, Timothy Ashong, made the call during discussions on the future of satellite communication and digital development in Africa, stressing that governments across the continent must work together to expand access to reliable and affordable communication services.
Ashong said Africa’s connectivity challenges require a coordinated continental approach rather than isolated efforts by individual countries. He noted that shared investments in satellite technology, broadband infrastructure, and modern communication networks would help reduce the digital divide affecting millions of Africans.
According to him, many parts of Africa continue to experience limited access to quality internet services due to infrastructure gaps, high deployment costs, and difficult geographical conditions. He argued that satellite technology provides an important opportunity to reach underserved communities, especially those located in rural and remote areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure remains expensive to develop.
RASCOM, established as an African initiative to provide satellite communication services for the continent, has continued to advocate for stronger cooperation among African governments and telecommunications stakeholders.
Ashong explained that investment in telecom infrastructure is not only about improving communication but also about supporting economic growth, education, healthcare delivery, financial inclusion, and government services.
He stressed that reliable connectivity has become a critical requirement for modern economies, adding that African countries must prioritise digital infrastructure as part of their broader development plans.
The RASCOM director also highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, private sector operators, and regional institutions to create sustainable solutions for Africa’s communication needs.
He said African nations should explore joint financing models and partnerships that would allow countries to share resources, reduce costs, and accelerate the deployment of advanced communication systems.
The call comes as African governments continue efforts to expand broadband access and participate more actively in the global digital economy. Despite improvements in mobile connectivity across several countries, millions of people across the continent still lack access to stable internet services.
Experts have repeatedly identified infrastructure limitations as one of the major barriers to Africa’s digital growth. They argue that improving connectivity will require significant investment in fibre networks, data centres, satellites, and other technologies that support modern communication systems.
RASCOM has maintained that satellite communication remains a strategic tool for Africa because of its ability to provide coverage across large areas without requiring extensive ground infrastructure.
Ashong urged African leaders to view telecommunications infrastructure as a shared development priority rather than a national issue alone. He said stronger regional cooperation would enable the continent to build a more connected society and unlock opportunities in technology-driven industries.
The organisation continues to promote the use of satellite technology as part of efforts to strengthen Africa’s communication independence and improve access to digital services.
As African countries pursue economic diversification and technological development, stakeholders say increased investment in telecommunications infrastructure will play a major role in determining the continent’s ability to compete in the global digital economy.
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