By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) has officially joined the Augmented Navigation for
Africa (ANGA) programme, marking a significant step in the continent’s efforts
to strengthen satellite-based navigation capabilities.
The
announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU on May
7, 2026) in Kigali between RSA Chief Executive Officer Gaspard Twagirayezu and
the Director General of the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and
Madagascar (ASECNA), Prosper Zo’o Minto’o.
The
agreement establishes a framework for advancing Satellite-Based Augmentation
System (SBAS) services across Africa under the ANGA initiative, which aims to
improve the accuracy, reliability and availability of satellite navigation
services on the continent.
As
part of the partnership, Rwanda will host and operate an ANGA Mission Control
Centre, a key infrastructure component expected to support the delivery and
management of SBAS services. The collaboration will also facilitate the
adoption and integration of ANGA services within Rwanda’s national systems.
The
ANGA programme said the partnership reflects its commitment to leveraging
African expertise in the development of homegrown navigation solutions designed
to support aviation safety, transportation efficiency and broader
socio-economic development.
Officials
noted that Rwanda’s participation represents a strategic milestone in the
expansion of Africa-led satellite navigation infrastructure and reinforces
ongoing efforts to build a unified, continent-wide system.
The
initiative is expected to contribute to improved positioning services across
multiple sectors, further strengthening Africa’s capacity in space-based
technologies and innovation.
