ARTP and International Telecommunication Union Host Regional LEO Satellite Training in Dakar

The Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP) , in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),  has co-organized a regional training session on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems in Dakar, underscoring Senegal’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Held from February 9 to 11, 2026, the session convened telecommunications regulators and technical experts from 22 French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries. The event was attended by representatives from the ITU, the World Bank, Smart Africa, and senior stakeholders from the electronic communications sector, providing a broad platform for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue.

In his opening address, ARTP Director General Dahirou Thiam expressed appreciation to the ITU for selecting Senegal as host. He emphasized the strategic importance of LEO satellite constellations, describing them as a critical lever for accelerating connectivity in underserved and rural areas and for narrowing the digital divide across the continent.

Mr. Thiam also highlighted the complex regulatory challenges associated with LEO deployments, including radio-frequency spectrum management, digital sovereignty, licensing frameworks, and the long-term economic viability of satellite-based connectivity models. He stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation and greater regulatory harmonization to effectively address these emerging issues.

Supported by the ITU, ARTP, the World Bank and Smart Africa, the training program aims to build regulatory capacity and promote the adoption of modern, flexible regulatory frameworks that support sustainable digital inclusion. ARTP welcomed the initiative as a strategic milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to proactive regulation in service of Senegal’s and Africa’s broader digital development ambitions.