Emerging satellite technologies, particularly Low-Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOs), are increasingly viewed as promising solutions for Africa, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure deployment is challenging or economically unviable. Industry experts suggest that LEO satellite services could significantly enhance connectivity for regions previously lacking access.
To effectively address Africa’s digital divide, a multifaceted strategy is essential. The insights shared by the Paratus Group and the Internet Society are critical, especially as Africa remains the least connected region globally. Current data reveals that over 60% of Africa’s population does not have access to broadband Internet, with many individuals spending more than 2% of their income on reliable services.
The Internet Society emphasizes that sustained investments in both submarine and terrestrial cable infrastructure, along with LEO satellites, are vital for reducing costs and enhancing the quality of connectivity. “The integration of new technologies like LEOs will significantly boost the availability, affordability, and resilience of Internet access across the region,” said Michuki Mwangi, technologist for the Internet Society, in an interview.
Paratus Group, a leading internet connectivity provider in Africa, anticipates that 2025 could transform the continent’s technology landscape. Rolf Mendelsohn, the chief technology officer at Paratus Group, noted, “We are observing several critical developments poised to reshape Africa’s digital infrastructure.”
He believes a major expansion of LEO satellite services is on the horizon, with providers like Starlink likely reaching around half of Africa’s nations. “This growth is pivotal for closing the connectivity gap, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional infrastructure faces hurdles.”
Additionally, Mendelsohn highlighted the anticipated activation of the 2Africa subsea cable system, which is expected to significantly improve Africa’s international bandwidth capacity, enhance service quality, and reduce latency for internet services across the continent.
While both Mwangi and Mendelsohn express optimism about the digital advancements in Africa, especially in efforts to narrow the digital divide, they acknowledge that challenges persist. Mendelsohn stated, “Africa’s technological landscape holds vast potential; however, leveraging this potential necessitates a comprehensive approach to overcoming existing obstacles.”
A key challenge lies in the regulatory environment, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sector. Mendelsohn mentioned that although regulations are vital for consumer protection and market stability, there is significant potential for regulators to partner with industry stakeholders to develop frameworks that foster innovation and attract investment.
Emerging technologies can enhance this effort by increasing transparency, efficiency, and scalability in compliance, cybersecurity, and digital transformation domains.
Mendelsohn also pointed out the ongoing coverage deficit in Africa. Despite progress, many areas remain underserved, lacking basic connectivity infrastructure. Where coverage is available, the quality is often inadequate for contemporary digital demands, with many regions still without access to reliable 4G+ speeds, which are essential for modern applications and services.
“To address these issues, substantial investment from network operators is required to close the infrastructure gap. This involves both expanding coverage and upgrading existing infrastructure to support higher speeds and improved service quality,” he emphasized.
Mwangi noted that data from the Internet Society’s Pulse platform indicates that Africa’s aggregate Internet resilience score is only 34%, significantly lower than other regions. A resilient Internet connection sustains an acceptable level of service despite faults and operational challenges.
While bridging Africa’s digital divide is challenging, the combination of LEO satellite technology and continued investment in infrastructure presents a promising path forward.
