By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Gabon has begun work towards
developing a national strategy for satellite and space technologies as the
government seeks to strengthen digital sovereignty, critical infrastructure
resilience and economic development.
Minister of Digital Economy,
Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba opened the National Seminar
on the Challenges of Satellite, bringing together institutional, technical and
security stakeholders involved in the country’s digital transformation.
Speaking at the seminar,
Doumba described satellite technology as an increasingly important component of
a modern digital ecosystem alongside optical fibre, data centres, cybersecurity
and digital platforms.
He stressed the need for
Gabon to establish a national vision for space communications capable of
addressing connectivity, data security, territorial development and the
continuity of public services.
The seminar provided a
platform for administrations, technical experts and development partners to
examine the role of satellite technologies in supporting Gabon’s digital
transformation.
Discussions resulted in
recommendations focused on strengthening governance of the space sector,
accelerating the deployment of satellite solutions that complement terrestrial
infrastructure and developing national technical skills.
Participants also called for
stronger protection of critical infrastructure and the development of an
integrated national strategy for space technologies.
The government views the
recommendations as a step towards positioning Gabon to participate more
effectively in the emerging space economy and using satellite technologies to
expand digital services for citizens, businesses and public institutions.
The seminar brought together
representatives from AGEOS, ANINF, ARCEP, SPIN, relevant government
administrations, Defence and Security Forces and other partners.
The government said the
broad participation reflects the need for coordinated action in building
Gabon’s digital sovereignty through strategic planning, resilient
infrastructure and a clear roadmap for implementing and monitoring actions in
the space technology sector.
