The 74th Board of Directors meeting of the Regional African Satellite Communication Organisation (RASCOM), hosted by Cameroon, has brought together RASCOM and CAMTEL stakeholders. The key stakeholders are meeting in Yaoundé to discuss and chart a way forward on how satellite connectivity can be better harnessed for the best communication services.
In a statement, RASCOM said the stakeholders are to “discuss the latest developments and trends within the satellite space. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
“The Board of Directors will also review and approve several proposals aimed at enhancing the organization’s mission to promote telecommunications development in Africa.”
The high-stakes meeting hosted by Cameroon, a member of RASCOM, through the Ministry of Communications and supported by CAMTEL kicked off on May 22nd in Yaounde and will run till May 24, 2024.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of RASCOM, Bini Kouame, the organisation “has been going through a number of difficulties, and at one point we gave the impression that we were on the inter-black line”. However he assured that “work has been underway for practically two years now”
The Director General of RASCOM, Timothy Ashong on his part said it is very crucial for Africa at this stage and time to take stock of what it has in terms of satellite activities and how to go forward to make the optimal use of it. He recalled that during the last meeting, the Board approved the strategic approach for at least five years. He said the plan was still going to be highlighted, and that they will continue to build on that strategic approach.
Timothy Ashong hoped that after the meeting “we are going to have some output in our items which will go a long way to help the African community satellite communications market for the betterment of Africa”.
On her part, the General Manager of CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi said, “This board meeting is being held in a very important context, given the events of March, when the submarine cable was cut. Today, the satellite solution presents an opportunity and a redundancy that will enable all countries to be connected at all times, whatever problems we may have with other communications systems such as submarines”.
General Manager of CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi speaking to the press
The 74th Board of Directors meeting is expected to be a significant event, shaping the future of satellite communications in Africa. RASCOM said that through the participation of member states and key strategic partners, the conference will foster collaboration, drive growth, and promote telecommunications development in Africa.
RASCOM with headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast was created in May 1992 under the auspices of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).
RASCOM works to bring together all African states to work together to implement and operate a common telecommunications infrastructure for Africa to; provide an efficient and economical means of telecommunications. This includes the requirements for transmission of sound and television broadcasting and community reception by satellite to all areas in Africa intending to foster the development of African countries.
