Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The 74th Board of Directors meeting of the African Regional Telecommunications Satellite Organization that opened on Wednesday May 22nd 2024 is expected to be a significant event, shaping the future of satellite communications in Africa.
With the participation of member states and key strategic partners, the conference will foster collaboration, drive growth, and promote telecommunications development in Africa.
“This meeting will be a crucial milestone in shaping the future of satellite communications in Africa,” says Timothy Ashong, Acting Director General of RASCOM.
He was speaking after the opening ceremony chaired by the General General of Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL), Judith Yah Sunday Epse Achidi.
The Yaoundé gathering brought together member states and key strategic partners to discuss the latest developments and trends within the satellite space. The board meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to share insights, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Speaking at the start of the session the board chairman of RASCOM, Bini Kouame, revealed that after coming out of a difficult period, the organization has fully relaunched its activities, with a strategic approach for next 5 years.
He was supported by the acting General Manager of RASCOM, who said “It is very crucial at this moment for Africa to take stock of what they have in terms of satellite connectivity, and map out the way forward”.
That is why for three days, the Board of Directors will focus on how Africa can use African satellite communications operators to achieve digital connectivity. They will also review and approve several proposals aimed at enhancing the organization’s mission to promote telecommunications development in Africa.
The importance of the Yaounde session canot be over emphasized given that in March 2024, Africa witnessed a major setback with the disruption of some of its submarine cables.
“Satellite solution presents itself today more as an opportunity which will help countries to remain connected no matter the issues they might have with other communication channels,” says Judith Yah Sunday Epse Achidi, General Manager of CAMTEL.
RASCOM Strategy 2024 – 2029
RASCOM is at the forefront of a transformative journey in satellite communications, dedicated to bridging the digital divide across Africa. Its five years strategy is rooted in fostering partnerships, enhancing technical expertise, and driving sustainable growth.
The organization aims to create a unified network of connectivity and innovation, and to achieve that, special attention will be given to;
- Reinforcing commitment among signatories and parties of RASCOM to the mission,
- Policy harmonization,
- Setting up new and strategic partnerships for technogical advancement, and
- Coming up with specific marketing and awareness schemes.
The success of these will depend on how Orbital resources are managed, and RASCOM intends to promote collaboration for African administrations to act as a bloc.
