By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Regional African
Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to
strengthening collaboration with the African Union to advance digital
connectivity and the deployment of space-based technologies across the
continent.
The commitment was
reinforced during a strategic meeting held on the margins of the recently
concluded African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference in Abuja, Nigeria,
between RASCOM Director General Timothy Nii Adi Ashong and Ms. Lerato Mataboge,
Commissioner for Infrastructure at the African Union Commission.
The RASCOM Director General
was accompanied by the organisation’s Director of Finance, Michael Joe
Coulibaly.
The meeting focused on
opportunities to deepen institutional cooperation and strengthen coordination
between the two continental organisations in support of Africa’s digital
transformation and connectivity objectives.
The discussions highlighted
the importance of leveraging Africa’s satellite communications and space
capabilities to expand access to reliable connectivity, particularly in
underserved and hard-to-reach communities where terrestrial infrastructure may
be limited.
The two institutions also
recognised the need for stronger alignment and coordinated action among
continental and regional organisations to ensure that investments in digital
infrastructure contribute effectively to Africa’s broader development priorities.
As African countries
accelerate efforts to build integrated digital economies, satellite
communications are increasingly viewed as an important complement to
terrestrial networks, particularly for extending connectivity to remote areas
and strengthening the resilience of communications infrastructure.
For RASCOM, closer
collaboration with the African Union forms part of its broader strategy to
promote regional integration and maximise the contribution of African satellite
resources to the continent’s development.
The organisation said it
remains committed to building strategic partnerships with continental and
regional stakeholders to advance inclusive connectivity and support the
effective use of space and telecommunications technologies.
