Regulators from more than 20 French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries gathered in Senegal last week to strengthen satellite governance and explore ways to expand internet access in rural and remote areas, organizers said.
The training session, held in partnership with Senegal’s Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority, was organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank Group, and Smart Africa. The event aimed to build regulatory capacity and promote regional cooperation in satellite deployment across the continent.
“Satellite services offer an effective way to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote and sparsely populated areas,” said a Smart Africa spokesperson. “This initiative helps connect communities to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, supporting inclusive growth across the region.”
Sessions focused on integrating satellite networks into national telecommunications systems while ensuring security, interoperability, and compliance with international standards. Participants also discussed business models for satellite operators and public-private financing mechanisms to encourage investment in underserved areas.
The training comes against the backdrop of Africa’s persistent digital gap. Only about 6 percent of rural areas have internet access, according to the African Development Bank, while overall penetration in sub-Saharan Africa hovers around 40 percent, the lowest globally. Limited infrastructure, weak investment incentives, and challenging geographic conditions have left millions without connectivity.
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“Digital transformation is increasingly driving economic growth, and extending connectivity is critical to ensuring no one is left behind,” said a senior ITU official. “Satellite technology can complement terrestrial networks to reach communities that would otherwise remain isolated.”
Experts emphasized that harmonized regulatory frameworks across the region are essential to attract investment and secure satellite operations. Countries with clear rules and predictable licensing policies are more likely to see sustained deployment and adoption of satellite-based internet services.
The initiative also highlighted the role of collaboration between public authorities, regional organizations, and private sector operators. By sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices, regulators can develop policies that foster innovation while protecting consumers and national infrastructure.
Several African governments are already exploring satellite-based projects. Senegal, for instance, has been investing in local satellite capabilities to improve connectivity, while other countries in the region are evaluating partnerships with international satellite operators to deliver high-speed internet to schools, hospitals, and small businesses in remote districts.
The event was part of Smart Africa’s broader agenda to advance digital inclusion across the continent. The organization seeks to ensure that digital services are accessible and affordable, particularly for rural populations, while promoting regional integration and cross-border collaboration in telecommunications.
Participants agreed to continue sharing technical expertise and aligning national regulations to facilitate cross-border satellite services. The workshop concluded with a commitment to implement lessons learned in national policies, with a view to reducing Africa’s digital divide.
“Expanding connectivity is not just a technical challenge—it is a social and economic imperative,” said a Senegalese regulator. “We must ensure that satellite and digital technologies reach the communities that need them most, creating opportunities for growth, education, and innovation.”
As Africa grapples with rapid population growth, urbanization, and the rising demand for digital services, satellite connectivity is expected to play an increasingly important role. Experts say that initiatives like the Senegal training session are crucial steps toward inclusive and sustainable digital development across the continent.
Background to the African training
Senegal hosted a regional training session on satellite regulation from February 9–12, 2026, bringing together regulators from more than 20 French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries. The initiative was organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank Group, and Smart Africa, in partnership with Senegal’s Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority.
The programme focused on expanding rural and remote internet connectivity through satellite technology. Sessions covered regulatory and technical frameworks for integrating satellite services into national telecommunications networks while ensuring security, interoperability, and compliance with international standards. Participants also explored business models for satellite operators and public-private financing mechanisms to encourage digital inclusion.
The training reflects Africa’s urgent need to address the digital divide. Only around 6 percent of rural areas have internet access, while overall internet penetration in sub-Saharan Africa remains approximately 40 percent—the lowest globally, according to the ITU. Limited private investment incentives and sparse infrastructure in remote regions have left many communities unconnected.
Satellite connectivity is seen as a complementary solution to terrestrial networks, offering a way to deliver internet services in hard-to-reach areas, support education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and integrate isolated communities into national and global digital ecosystems. Developing harmonized regulatory frameworks across countries is considered crucial to attracting investment, ensuring operational security, and expanding access to digital services across the continent.
The initiative aligns with Smart Africa’s broader goal of promoting equitable digital connectivity, strengthening regulatory capacity, and fostering collaboration between governments, regulators, and private sector operators.
