{"id":57474,"date":"2021-05-21T19:22:46","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T11:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/african-space-leaders-unified-policy-existing-infrastructure-boosts-the-regions-bargaining-power\/"},"modified":"2021-05-21T19:22:46","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T11:22:46","slug":"african-space-leaders-unified-policy-existing-infrastructure-boosts-the-regions-bargaining-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/african-space-leaders-unified-policy-existing-infrastructure-boosts-the-regions-bargaining-power\/","title":{"rendered":"African Space Leaders: Unified Policy, Existing Infrastructure Boosts the Region\u2019s Bargaining Power"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>African nations and space companies are working to pursue a collaborative continental space agenda, and to encourage the competitiveness of regional space capabilities, African space leaders said Thursday, May 20 during SATELLITE 2021\u2019s EMEA + Asia virtual conference.<\/p>\n<p>The African Union has adopted a continental African Space Policy, and Andiswa Mlisa, Earth Observation executive for the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), said the continent looks to improve Africa\u2019s economy and quality of life through a collective approach to space.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/g8OKuSSGuiL64al7Cfdw_EMEA20Digital20Show20Daily-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/g8OKuSSGuiL64al7Cfdw_EMEA20Digital20Show20Daily-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/g8OKuSSGuiL64al7Cfdw_EMEA20Digital20Show20Daily-800x599.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/g8OKuSSGuiL64al7Cfdw_EMEA20Digital20Show20Daily-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/g8OKuSSGuiL64al7Cfdw_EMEA20Digital20Show20Daily.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the Show Daily 2021 EMEA\/Asia Digital Forum Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of the major principles is the use of existing infrastructure,\u201d Mlisa said. \u201cLeveraging existing infrastructure investments comes up very strongly in the space policy, because there is a recognition that the continent already has existing capabilities within its countries. It also recognizes that it is very capital intensive to start from zero. Therefore, leveraging existing infrastructure and investments makes sense.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Mlisa said SANSA is focused on promoting partnerships within the existing spacefaring nations, and preparing the way for those that still have ambitions to enter the space economy. <\/p>\n<p>Rwanda is working to set up a space agency after its legislature voted in spring 2021 to establish the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA). Joseph Abakund, chief strategy officer of the RSA, said the country recognized how space can be a \u201cforce multiplier\u201d and how space technology can be used to benefit national objectives. At this point, the agency is focusing on downstream activities, he said. <\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a71321da11ce;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a71321da11ce = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a71321da11d7').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a71321da11d7'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Abakund pointed to how collective action can increase the bargaining power of African nations. \u201cThere is power in numbers. If we\u2019re talking about working with the Chinese or the Indians or Europeans on a particular project, speaking as one voice in Africa gives you a lot more runway [than going] bilateral. There\u2019s definitely a place for bilateral agreements, but for now, it\u2019s helpful for us to cooperate,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>Abimbola Alale, CEO of Nigerian satellite operator Nigcomsat, had a bold suggestion for how a continental space initiative could help regional satellite operators \u2014 first right of refusal for local commercial projects. Alale said there is not much room for small, growing, regional operators to compete with legacy Western satellite companies, and thus they cooperate with other operators.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would want to see the African space markets having a unified system. [One policy example] would give the indigenous African operators the first right of refusal for local content,\u201d she said. \u201cWe should have an African Space Agency to come up with policies such as that to encourage us in whatever area we are operating, to focus more on those areas, provide excellent services, and have shared infrastructure to reduce costs for clients.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Overall, Alale said Nigcomsat is looking to collaborate whether it\u2019s with other African operators, or other operators like Eutelsat or SES, to learn and\/or share infrastructure in order to bring down the cost of satellite services. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore than ever, I think satellite services are needed in Africa, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. People in the rural areas and difficult to reach areas still rely on satellite communications,\u201d Alale said. \u201cWe need to look critically at infrastructure sharing, to be able to bring down the cost and make Africa a digital continent. The few operators \u2014 we need to seriously consider collaboration, so that we can meet the needs of our people.\u201d <strong>VS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 514:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"136\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pK8PlIs1QMVC2Aqb2trQ_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.27.5920AM-300x136.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pK8PlIs1QMVC2Aqb2trQ_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.27.5920AM-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pK8PlIs1QMVC2Aqb2trQ_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.27.5920AM-800x362.png 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pK8PlIs1QMVC2Aqb2trQ_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.27.5920AM-640x290.png 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pK8PlIs1QMVC2Aqb2trQ_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.27.5920AM.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tEuropean Commission LEO Initiative Begins to Take Shape<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 515:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/UBuOqRxlSLSq2H9gsEsh_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.29.2320AM-300x154.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/UBuOqRxlSLSq2H9gsEsh_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.29.2320AM-300x154.png 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/UBuOqRxlSLSq2H9gsEsh_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.29.2320AM-800x410.png 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/UBuOqRxlSLSq2H9gsEsh_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.29.2320AM-640x328.png 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/UBuOqRxlSLSq2H9gsEsh_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.29.2320AM.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tIn Rare Gathering, Asia\u2019s Leading Satellite Executives Outline Future CapEx Plans<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 516:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"122\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/SkYVlDrQkei0QgmwPe7w_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.31.1420AM-300x122.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/SkYVlDrQkei0QgmwPe7w_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.31.1420AM-300x122.png 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/SkYVlDrQkei0QgmwPe7w_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.31.1420AM-800x324.png 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/SkYVlDrQkei0QgmwPe7w_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.31.1420AM-640x260.png 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/SkYVlDrQkei0QgmwPe7w_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.31.1420AM.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tIncreased Customer Expectations are at the Heart of Satellite\u2019s Mobility Debate<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 513:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"123\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/KLBoZCUVSruqAd2bqBrV_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.30.1420AM-300x123.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/KLBoZCUVSruqAd2bqBrV_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.30.1420AM-300x123.png 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/KLBoZCUVSruqAd2bqBrV_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.30.1420AM-800x327.png 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/KLBoZCUVSruqAd2bqBrV_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.30.1420AM-640x262.png 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/KLBoZCUVSruqAd2bqBrV_Screen20Shot202021-05-2120at2011.30.1420AM.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tTelcos Say Relations With Satellite Providers Strained by High Prices, Value Chain Confusion<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>African nations and space companies are working to pursue a collaborative continental space agenda, and to encourage the competitiveness of regional space capabilities, African space leaders said Thursday, May 20 during SATELLITE 2021\u2019s EMEA + Asia virtual conference. The African Union has adopted a continental African Space Policy, and Andiswa Mlisa, Earth Observation executive for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":57476,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57474","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57474"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57474"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57474\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}