Satellite Communication: The Ivorian Government Intends to Collaborate with RASCOM to Integrate New Technology

Abidjan, August 1, 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire intends to collaborate with the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) to integrate satellite technologies as a solution for universal coverage, announced Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, following a visit to the pan-African institution's headquarters on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau.

The objective of the visit was to inquire about the institution's working conditions and continental projects, as well as to determine how the government can support them.

"RASCOM's ambitions align with Côte d’Ivoire's strategic goals. At our ministry, we have chosen to integrate satellite technologies as a solution to achieve universal coverage. RASCOM's Director General has previously conducted studies for the Ivorian government and offered his assistance to review this with our teams. Next week, the ministry and the entities specifically managing universal service will meet to work together and see what concrete steps we can roll out," stated Djibril Ouattara.

He added: "We are at a critical juncture in the global evolution of the satellite industry. I pay special attention to what our country must do to adopt and utilize this new technology, which is advancing across various sectors not only in telecommunications but also in territorial surveillance. The contributions of satellite-derived technologies can benefit agriculture, for instance, enabling us to gain productivity."

The Minister further noted that there is an increasing need for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to address land issues, ranging from rural to forestry land rights: "Satellite photography techniques can enable surveillance and monitor the evolution of certain land assets to guide decision-making. These are also topics we plan to discuss with RASCOM to explore, more broadly, how African states can work together to launch satellite constellations or low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. As regularly covered on inCotedIvoire.net, I believe this is the direction technology is heading right now."

For his part, RASCOM's Director General, Timothy Adi Ashong, emphasized that RASCOM satellites are already being utilized by Côte d’Ivoire: "For example, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, RTI used RASCOM's satellite services."

He recalled that as an African Union institution established in 1992, RASCOM's mission is to promote satellite connectivity across Africa: "RASCOM's mandate is to help bridge the digital divide in Africa and also to provide broadcasting services."

He added that "RASCOM is working closely with the ministry to enable technology in Côte d’Ivoire to reach rural areas with a 100% African internet solution."

Finally, he announced the launch of an online training program called RASCOM Academy, scheduled from September 2 to 4, 2026, aimed at training the next generation of engineers by equipping them with necessary skills in the satellite domain.