South Africa’s National Communications Satellite Strategy aims to bridge the digital divide, drive economic growth, and ensure equitable access to digital services through cutting-edge satellite infrastructure.
Pending Cabinet approval, the strategy—developed collaboratively by the Departments of Communications, Digital Technologies (DCDT), Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), along with SENTECH and SANSA—promises transformative impacts, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The strategy outlines three project layers: upstream satellite design and specifications, midstream satellite launch and operation, and downstream IT infrastructure for e-government services. Its Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIAS) was approved by the Presidency in November 2023, enabling further consultations with Cabinet Clusters.
Co-Chairpersons Ms. Tsakani Shiviti and Ms. Khusela Sangoni Diko emphasized the project’s potential to boost the digital economy, despite fiscal constraints, and urged for a detailed business plan and joint oversight from related committees.
