Multi-Orbit Momentum: SES Outlines Growth Path for Africa’s Operators and Enterprises

Introducing SES’s Multi-Orbit Capabilities

For the first time at AfricaCom under its new brand, SES showcased its multi-orbit capabilities, combining GEO, MEO, and MEO. Catapodis explained that this approach allows SES to tailor solutions for specific customer needs, delivering the right service for the right application. By integrating these capabilities, SES aims to offer flexible, scalable connectivity that meets the growing demands of African operators and enterprises.

Opportunities Across the Region

The growth potential for satellite services in Africa remains substantial. Catapodis highlighted areas such as cell backhaul and enterprise connectivity, where SES already maintains a strong presence in South Africa, DRC, and Nigeria. Working closely with ISPs, integrators, and mobile operators, SES provides customized solutions to address regional needs while supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure. 

“Today, as SES, we can provide services on Jio, Leo, and Mio all together. So basically, what we are trying to do is approach our customers with this multi-orbit solution, integrating these capabilities to make sure we deliver the right orbit and the right service for the right application. Well, we see a lot of growth in the region, all with the MNOs on the cell backhaul side. This is a market that is definitely growing. We have a big presence in the region, with platforms in South Africa, DRC, and Nigeria, where we manage all these CBH services. On top of this, we can also customize our service for customers in different countries. This is for sure our biggest growth vertical.”

 – Pablo Catapodis, Vice President, Africa, SES 

Satellite as a Driver for Digital Inclusion

Connecting the unconnected is central to SES’s strategy. Catapodis shared examples such as the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), which connects schools in Uganda and South Sudan. By leveraging satellite technology, SES supports education, community development, and broader digital inclusion efforts. Beyond rural connectivity, SES integrates its capabilities with mobile networks, including 5G, to enhance network resiliency and extend services to underserved regions.

Recognition and Community Impact

SES’s commitment to community initiatives has earned recognition. The company was recently nominated and won the Changing Lives Award, reflecting its focus on projects that combine technology with social impact. Partnerships such as MaxIQ in South Africa, which facilitate STEM education and digital skills training, further illustrate SES’s dedication to empowering local communities and fostering long-term development.

Strategy and Outlook

Catapodis outlined SES’s vision for Africa over the next five years. Key priorities include expanding collaboration with mobile operators, strengthening enterprise offerings, and supporting the continent’s telecom infrastructure with locally managed services. SES emphasizes sovereignty and local presence, maintaining offices in South Africa, Dakar, and Ethiopia, and monitoring services from regional NOCs to ensure reliability and responsiveness.