Namibia has begun testing satellite-based internet services using Angola’s Angosat-2 satellite in a pilot programme aimed at expanding digital connectivity to remote and underserved regions where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited or costly.
The initiative is being led by state-owned Telecom Namibia, which signed a pilot commercial agreement with Angola’s national space programme agency GGPEN during the 2026 Angola International Information and Communication Technologies Forum (ANGOTIC).
The agreement allows Namibia to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of services provided through Angosat-2, a high-throughput telecommunications satellite operated by Angola and designed to deliver broadband internet, voice and television services across the African continent.
Officials say the pilot phase will focus on assessing signal quality, coverage performance and service reliability in rural and hard-to-reach areas of Namibia, where conventional fibre and mobile networks are expensive or difficult to deploy.
Angosat-2, which became operational in 2023, operates across multiple frequency bands — including C, Ku and Ka — and provides coverage not only across Africa but also parts of Europe. Its expansion has already contributed significantly to connectivity gains within Angola, where it reportedly helped connect an additional 300,000 users by late 2024.
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The satellite is part of Angola’s broader push to commercialise its space infrastructure for regional use. In 2023, authorities authorised the extension of Angosat-2 services to member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), opening the door for cross-border digital cooperation.
Namibia’s pilot project reflects growing regional interest in satellite-based connectivity as African countries seek alternatives to traditional infrastructure rollout models, particularly in sparsely populated or geographically challenging areas.
Officials involved in the agreement say the trial is not only a technical test but also a step toward shaping the future of regional digital inclusion.
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“Through this pilot commercial agreement, we are not merely testing a technology; we are actively shaping the future of connectivity in our region,” said Fimanekeni Petrus, Chairman of Telecom Namibia. “This initiative reflects our commitment to expanding connectivity and ensuring that even the most remote communities can access reliable and scalable digital services.”
The agreement was signed in the presence of ministers from both countries, including Namibia’s Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus and Angola’s Telecommunications Minister Mário Oliveira.
The trial builds on earlier discussions held in Luanda in 2025, which established a proof-of-concept phase before moving to real-world testing. The current phase will determine whether Angosat-2 services can be integrated into Namibia’s broader telecommunications ecosystem.
If successful, the project could pave the way for wider deployment across Southern Africa, potentially offering a cost-effective alternative for extending broadband access to rural populations and reducing the digital divide.
Regional telecom analysts say satellite connectivity is becoming an increasingly important component of Africa’s digital infrastructure strategy, especially as governments pursue universal internet access goals while facing high infrastructure costs and challenging terrain.
With demand for data services rising rapidly across the continent, satellite systems like Angosat-2 are expected to play a growing role in complementing terrestrial networks and supporting digital transformation initiatives.
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The outcome of Namibia’s trial is likely to influence future regional partnerships as Southern African countries explore shared infrastructure solutions to expand connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion.
