By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The President of the Board of INFRASAT, Diogo
Carvalho has underscored the importance of Africa taking a leading role
in the rapidly evolving space and telecommunications sector.
Speaking following engagements at the NewSpace Africa Conference in Gabon, Carvalho
said discussions with key stakeholders focused on the continent’s opportunity
to leverage satellite technologies to accelerate digital transformation and
socio-economic development.
He held talks with Tidiane
Ouattara, President of the African Space Agency and Zolana Joao, Managing Director of Angola National Space Program where the
conversation centred on strengthening collaboration and positioning Africa as
an active player in shaping the future of space-based solutions.
Carvalho noted that satellite
connectivity and smart infrastructure present significant opportunities to
expand access, bridge connectivity gaps and support innovation across the
continent. He emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between countries
and institutions to fully harness these technologies.
INFRASAT said it remains committed to
contributing to the development of solutions that enhance connectivity, support
communities and create new economic opportunities.
Stakeholders
at the conference highlighted that Africa’s growing involvement in the space
sector presents a strategic opportunity to drive inclusive growth, with
increasing recognition that the continent must move beyond participation to
leadership in the global space economy.