06/06/2022

Rwandan Space Agency and the Global Satellite Operators Association to expand cooperation to increase connectivity in Rwanda and the African continent

Kigali, 6th June 2022 – The Rwandan Space Agency (RSA) and the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) signed an agreement today in Kigali to further promote space-based services as an essential tool for expanding connectivity in Rwanda and the African continent.  Together, the two parties will work to:

  1. Support the deployment of satellite communications services in Rwanda;
  2. Preserve access to satellite spectrum;
  3. Preserve access to orbital slots reserved for developing countries;
  4. Cooperate with African space agencies; and
  5. Promote satellite communications services in Rwanda and across Africa.

RSA and GSOA share a common goal of supporting the socio-economic development of Rwanda and the African continent. The agreement will go a long way towards establishing the framework necessary to enhance the availability of satellite communications in Rwanda.

Speaking at a meeting of African space agencies on Satellite communications for sustainable development in Africa, Aarti Holla-Maini, GSOA Secretary General noted “We are pleased to deepen our cooperation with the RSA on a range of critical topics. Connecting the unconnected will simply not happen without the use of satellite and African space agencies like the RSA can play a key role in emphasizing the importance of satcoms at policy and regulatory level.”

Col. Francis Ngabo, CEO of the Rwandan Space Agency said “GSOA is the voice of the satellite industry, and we are glad to have them as a close partner. RSA has the ambition of creating a vibrant space ecosystem where satellite communication will play an important role, and by working with GSOA, we believe we can accelerate the achievement of these objectives”.

GSOA appreciates the leadership taken by the RSA and looks forward to extending this cooperation to include other African space agencies to promote satellite communications services across Africa.

Contacts:

Natalia Vicente, [email protected]

Henriette Cyuzuzo, [email protected]

 

About the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA)

The RSA was established in August 2020 with the mandate to develop space services for socio-economic development in Rwanda. The RSA  responsibilities include to regulation of space services in Rwanda, to create an environment conducive to the development of space technology; to promote the applications of space sciences and technologies  including satellite communications and Earth observation. Satellite services are needed to complement terrestrial services. The development of requisite skills in the space arena in Rwanda is a priority for the RSA.

About GSOA

The Global Satellite Operators’ Association (GSOA) represents 29 global and regional satellite operators. It is recognised as the representative body for satellite operators by international, regional, and national bodies including regulators, policymakers, standards-setting organisations such as 3GPP, the International Telecommunication Union and the World Economic Forum. GSOA works to foster a better understanding of the benefits of satellite communications for economies the world over and how favourable political, regulatory, and industrial frameworks can help policymakers leverage their strengths.