By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Government of Côte d'Ivoire is set to deepen collaboration with the Regional
African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) as part of its strategy
to integrate satellite technologies into national development and accelerate
universal digital coverage.
The
commitment was announced by the Minister of Digital Transition and
Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, following a visit to RASCOM's
headquarters in Abidjan on July 31. The visit was aimed at gaining a better
understanding of the pan-African organization's operations, ongoing projects
and identifying areas where the Ivorian government can provide support while
strengthening cooperation.
Ouattara
said the country's digital transformation agenda aligns closely with RASCOM's
continental mission, particularly in using satellite technology to bridge
connectivity gaps in underserved and rural communities.
He
disclosed that the ministry has already adopted satellite technologies as a key
component of its universal coverage strategy and revealed that discussions will
begin with agencies responsible for universal service to identify concrete
areas of collaboration with RASCOM.
According
to the minister, the global satellite industry is undergoing rapid
transformation, presenting new opportunities for countries such as Côte
d'Ivoire to leverage emerging technologies beyond telecommunications.
He
noted that satellite applications can significantly improve territorial
surveillance, agricultural productivity and environmental management while
supporting the development of geographic information systems to address land
administration challenges, including rural and forest land management.
Ouattara
also highlighted the growing importance of low-Earth orbit satellite
constellations, describing them as the future direction of satellite
technology. He said Côte d'Ivoire intends to engage RASCOM on broader
discussions regarding how African countries can cooperate to develop and deploy
satellite constellations that meet the continent's connectivity and development
needs.
RASCOM
Director-General Timothy Adi Ashong welcomed the government's interest in
strengthening collaboration and emphasized that Côte d'Ivoire has already
benefited from the organization's satellite infrastructure.
He
cited the successful use of RASCOM's satellite services by Radiodiffusion
Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations,
demonstrating the organization's capability to support major broadcasting
operations.
Ashong
reiterated that RASCOM, an institution established by the African Union in
1992, was created to promote satellite communications across Africa, bridge the
continent's digital divide and provide broadcasting services using
African-owned satellite infrastructure.
He
said the organization is working closely with Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of
Digital Transition and Technological Innovation to expand broadband
connectivity into rural communities through what he described as a fully
African internet solution.
The
Director-General also announced the launch of the RASCOM Academy, an online
training programme scheduled for September 2 to 4, 2026. The initiative is
designed to equip the next generation of African engineers with technical
knowledge and practical skills in satellite communications, supporting the
continent's growing demand for expertise in the rapidly evolving space and
satellite sector.
The
planned partnership reflects Côte d'Ivoire's broader ambition to harness
satellite technologies as a strategic tool for digital inclusion, economic
development and regional cooperation while strengthening Africa's capacity to
build and manage its own satellite communications infrastructure.
