Orbiting Innovations Series

Africa’s digital transformation is one of the most dynamic stories of our time—and satellite technology is becoming an increasingly powerful part of that journey. From LEO to MEO constellations, from long-established satellite operators to new players like Starlink and direct-to-device disruptors, the momentum is undeniable.

At TechAfrica News, we launched Orbiting Innovations to create a space where this momentum can be tracked, understood, and amplified. Over the next 12 months, this series will explore how satellite innovation is helping to close infrastructure gaps, connect rural communities, and accelerate economic opportunity across the continent.

Satellite isn’t a standalone solution—but it could be the critical link that helps bring Africa’s digital ambitions within reach. From enabling smart villages to powering resilient hybrid networks, the possibilities are expanding fast.

Through executive interviews, in-depth analysis, spotlights on innovation, and exclusive editorial coverage, Orbiting Innovations brings a 360° view of the sky’s role in Africa’s connected future.

Because when it comes to building inclusive, future-proof infrastructure, space isn’t the final frontier—it’s part of the foundation.

“Satellite technology has always played a role in Africa’s connectivity story—but what we’re seeing now is a shift from niche to necessity. With new players, new models, and new urgency, we felt it was time to create a dedicated space to track and amplify these developments. Orbiting Innovations is our way of bringing together the full ecosystem—from public to private sectors—to better understand how satellite can support Africa’s digital ambitions and unlock opportunities where traditional infrastructure falls short.”
— Akim Benamara, Founder & Chief Editor, TechAfrica News

The Orbiting Innovations series is powered by SES Satellites and ST Engineering iDirect—two global leaders at the forefront of satellite connectivity and innovation. Both organizations have played a vital role in expanding high-performance, scalable, and resilient satellite networks across Africa and beyond. Their support enables this series to dive deeper into the evolving role of satellite technology in driving digital transformation, inclusion, and infrastructure development across the continent. With their combined experience in GEO, MEO, and cutting-edge ground systems, SES and ST Engineering iDirect bring unique perspectives to the future of connectivity—making them ideal partners for this long-term editorial journey.

SES Satellites

As one of the world’s leading satellite operators, SES delivers global connectivity through its multi-orbit fleet of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites. With its O3b mPOWER constellation, SES is pioneering high-performance, low-latency satellite connectivity that meets the demands of modern applications—from broadband and cloud services to mobility and government solutions. In Africa, SES is a key enabler of universal access, working closely with telcos, governments, and enterprises to connect underserved and remote regions with reliable, high-throughput satellite networks.

Website  |  LinkedIn 

ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect is a global leader in satellite ground infrastructure and network solutions, enabling service providers, broadcasters, and governments to efficiently deploy and scale satellite services. Known for its innovations in IP-based connectivity, virtualization, and 5G integration, iDirect’s technology powers some of the most advanced satellite networks in the world. Across Africa, the company supports seamless, future-proof connectivity by helping partners build robust, flexible satellite infrastructures that bridge the digital divide and extend critical services where terrestrial networks can’t reach.

Website  |  LinkedIn 

Tracking Satellite Innovation Across Africa—All Year Long

The Orbiting Innovations series is designed to offer a multi-dimensional look at how satellite technology is reshaping Africa’s digital future. Over the course of 2025, we’ll unpack the evolving satellite landscape through a combination of editorial features, data-driven insights, and exclusive access to the people and companies driving change across the continent.

Each month, we’ll feature a flagship story that zooms in on a breakthrough project, policy shift, or deployment with transformative impact—from smart village pilots to national connectivity strategies. These will be supported by innovation spotlights that highlight the technologies, partnerships, and business models pushing the boundaries of what satellite can enable—especially in remote and underserved areas.

To help readers make sense of the ecosystem, we’re launching a Satellite Industry Landscape Sheet—a visual breakdown of the key players and technologies advancing satellite innovation across Africa. Alongside it, our Industry Survey will gather insights directly from stakeholders in the field, surfacing real-time data on investment priorities, technology adoption, and infrastructure needs from across the continent.

Culminating later this year, the Orbiting Innovations Industry Report will offer a comprehensive overview of the sector, developed in collaboration with a leading analysis partner and introduced by voices from both the public sector and TechAfrica News editorial team.

Together, these elements form a rich, evolving narrative of how satellite innovation is contributing to Africa’s digital transformation—and where it could take us next.