Satellite Networks

Four East African countries move forward on regional satellite project

Four East African countries move forward on regional satellite project

Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda agreed on Thursday to move forward with a plan to launch a regional satellite to boost connectivity in East Africa’s northern corridor.

William Kabogo Gitau, cabinet secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), said in a LinkedIn Post that he met with Chris Baryomunsi (Uganda’s Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance), Ateny Wek Ateny (South Sudan’s Minister of ICT and Postal Services) and a representative of Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT on Thursday to discuss the project, billed as the Northern Corridor Regional Communication & Broadcasting Satellite Initiative (NCRCBSI).

Beatrice Askul Moe, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development, also attended the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Connected Africa Summit 2026 summit in Nairobi.

The NCRCBSI aims to not only bring extra connectivity to East Africa, but also reduce reliance on external satellite systems and international connectivity routes by investing in infrastructure that supports regional priorities.

Gitau said the ministries resolved to work towards the design and launch of a jointly owned regional satellite to support digital services and broadcasting across Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda.

The ministers also agreed to kick off a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the technical, financial, and legal requirements of the project, with all four partner states agreeing to co-fund the study.

“Through this collaboration, we are strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the development of digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity, service delivery, and economic growth across our countries,” Gitau said.



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