East African nations are collaborating to establish a regional communication and broadcasting satellite to reduce reliance on external systems and enhance digital sovereignty.
This initiative, termed the Northern Corridor Regional Communication and Broadcasting Satellite Initiative (NCRCBSI), is designed to provide affordable broadband and secure internet access for government services, according to William Gitau, the Cabinet Secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The project was a key topic during a meeting in Nairobi with ICT ministers from Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. The participating countries agreed on the importance of investing in infrastructure that addresses local needs rather than relying on international connectivity.
As a first step, a thorough feasibility study will be conducted to evaluate the project’s technical, financial, and legal aspects. This assessment will be funded collaboratively by the four nations involved.
Gitau emphasised that this partnership will not only enhance regional cooperation but will also improve digital infrastructure, thereby boosting service delivery and driving economic development. He highlighted the project’s critical role in ensuring resilience during crises, such as cyberattacks, in his address at the Connected Africa Summit.
Initiated in 2023, the NCRCBSI aims to close connectivity gaps in underserved and remote regions. Although the East African Community includes eight countries—namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Tanzania—this particular satellite endeavour is currently spearheaded by the four Northern Corridor nations.
By launching a regional satellite, the partners anticipate achieving more cost-effective connectivity for broadcasting and digital services. This initiative mirrors similar trends across the continent, where regional blocs are striving to keep data traffic within their jurisdictions and reduce the substantial costs associated with leasing capacity from foreign satellite operators.
