SADC Satellite Communications Workshop

Zimbabwe Hosts 2025 SADC Satellite Communications Workshop to Drive Regional Technological Collaboration

February 13, 2025 • Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT, Postal & Courier Services, has successfully hosted the highly anticipated 2025 SADC Satellite Communications Workshop from February 11th to 13th, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders from Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations to share knowledge, best practices, and explore solutions for advancing satellite communication technologies across the region.

The workshop provided an important platform for participants to exchange experiences and insights on the latest satellite technology trends while addressing the unique challenges faced by SADC countries in implementing satellite communication systems. One of the key goals was to foster regional collaboration to overcome the financial barriers that hinder the adoption of such technologies.

Dr. Beullah Chirume, Permanent Secretary for ICT, Postal and Courier Services, officially opened the workshop and highlighted the critical role satellite technology plays in advancing African nations. She pointed out the historical context of satellite deployment and commended Angola for its remarkable achievement in launching its second satellite, Angosat-2, in 2022 with the assistance of France. "The history of satellite deployment spans over 50 years, yet only a few African nations have successfully launched communication satellites, primarily due to financial constraints rather than lack of ambition or planning. In SADC, we commend Angola for achieving this milestone," Dr. Chirume remarked.

"The history of satellite deployment spans over 50 years, yet only a few African nations have successfully launched communication satellites, primarily due to financial constraints rather than lack of ambition or planning. In SADC, we commend Angola for achieving this milestone."

— Dr. Beullah Chirume, Permanent Secretary for ICT, Postal and Courier Services

She also addressed the pressing financial challenges faced by many SADC nations in adopting satellite technology. To overcome these barriers, Dr. Chirume proposed the creation of a regionally owned satellite system, which could yield significant benefits for governments, private companies, and communities across Southern Africa.

The workshop marked a major step toward strengthening cooperation among SADC nations in satellite communications and has set the stage for further collaborative efforts aimed at unlocking the full potential of satellite technology in the region.