ESOA Partners Smart Africa On Digital Transformation In Africa

Posted by Eric Ojo African News, Featured, Latest Headlines Thursday, September 9th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – ESOA, the EMEA Satellite Operators Association and the Smart Africa Alliance (Smart Africa) have announced their partnership which is aimed at advancing digital transformation across Africa.

ESOA represents 22 global and regional satellite operators and is recognised as the representative body for satellite operators by international, regional, and national bodies including regulators, policymakers, standards-setting organisations such as 3GPP, the International Telecommunication Union and the World Economic Forum.

The group works to foster a better understanding of the benefits of satellite communications for economies the world over and how favourable political, regulatory, and industrial frameworks can help policymakers leverage their strengths. Moreover, ESOA leads the sector’s response to global challenges and opportunities. It offers a unified voice for the world’s largest operators, important regional operators and other companies that engage in satellite-related activities.

Similarly, Smart Africa is an alliance of 32 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda. The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.

With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by 7 African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 32 member countries, representing over 815 million people and over 40 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.

A statement jointly issued by both organizations on Wednesday said ESOA and Smart Africa will collaborate on digital transformation and innovation initiatives across the continent.

The aim of the partnership, according to the statement, is to achieve the goals on coverage and connectivity with satellite solutions across Africa in education, healthcare, research and development and other essential fields within Smart Africa Member States.

It added that the organisations will collaborate on common activities supporting the development of the space and satellite industry in Africa through sharing best practices in satellite regulation and implementation, showcasing successful use cases within Africa and leveraging the knowledge base on satellite services deployment in Africa.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Smart Africa, Mr. Lacina Koné said the partnership will be a key milestone in driving thought-leadership for the satellite industry.

“We look forward to seeing mutually beneficial results for Smart Africa Member States in satellite communication arising from this partnership”, he said.

In her remarks, the Secretary General of ESOA, Ms Holla-Maini noted that Smart Africa is recognised for its leadership in Africa.

“We are looking forward to working in this partnership to make a tangible difference to the lives of African citizens and in turn to African economies”, she stressed.