Africa CEO Forum 2026 calls for balanced regulation on satellite and terrestrial connectivity

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Discussions at the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali have called for urgent and balanced regulatory approaches to Africa’s evolving digital connectivity landscape, particularly as satellite and terrestrial networks increasingly shape the continent’s internet ecosystem.

The strategic roundtable session, titled “Fair Sky: Designing the Rules for Africa’s Connectivity Frontier,” brought together industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of connectivity across Africa.

Participants included representatives from the GSMA, Telecel Group, MTN Group, Safaricom, and government officials from Tanzania and Rwanda, alongside senior executives from the telecommunications sector.

According to Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, the discussions focused on key issues such as whether satellite and terrestrial connectivity systems should be viewed as complementary or competitive, and how regulatory frameworks can ensure fair market participation.

She noted that the dialogue also examined wholesale and retail market structures, investment protection, job creation, taxation, universal access, affordability of digital devices, and the implications of over-the-top (OTT) services on the telecommunications ecosystem.

Stakeholders further discussed the need for fair and balanced regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding investments in both traditional telecom infrastructure and emerging satellite technologies.

Obo-Nai emphasized that while the issues are complex and multi-dimensional, they require timely engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that Africa develops a progressive and sustainable connectivity framework.

She added that regulatory decisions will be critical in shaping the future of digital inclusion, economic growth, and technological innovation across the continent.