Africa’s satellite internet boom raises regulatory stakes, new report warns

The rapid expansion of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations across Africa is reshaping the continent’s digital landscape, offering new connectivity opportunities while raising complex regulatory and sovereignty questions, according to a new report by the Africa CEO Forum and Askya Investment Partners.
The report, titled “Telecoms Offshored – The Strategic Challenge of Satellite Internet for African Economies,” examines how offshore satellite operators are entering African markets and calls for clear, harmonised rules to ensure fair competition and long-term economic benefits.
At its core, the report poses a critical policy question: what connectivity architecture and governance model will best serve Africa’s long-term digital interests? While satellite broadband is seen as a powerful tool to extend coverage to rural and underserved areas, the authors argue that its benefits will depend on how effectively it is integrated into national and regional frameworks.
Without appropriate safeguards, the report warns, the rise of offshore connectivity risks eroding public revenues, weakening local telecom operators, and limiting African governments’ ability to control strategic digital infrastructure.
Uneven regulatory landscape
The study highlights growing concerns over regulatory asymmetries between satellite providers and traditional telecom operators. Many satellite entrants, it notes, operate under lighter licensing, taxation and infrastructure obligations, even as they compete in the same markets.
“The objective is not to block innovation or target specific companies,” the report states, “but to ensure a level playing field where all actors contribute fairly to national and regional development.”
It calls for the issue to be elevated beyond sector regulators to the highest levels of government, including ministries of finance, economy and defence, as well as executive offices.
Bridging gaps — but not alone
Despite the challenges, the report underscores the transformative potential of satellite connectivity. It can enhance network resilience, support critical infrastructure and provide backhaul capacity in areas where terrestrial networks are not economically viable.
However, the authors stress that Africa’s primary challenge is not coverage but usage. While roughly 60 percent of Africans live within network reach, many remain offline due to high device costs, unaffordable data and limited digital skills.
In this context, satellite technology is best deployed as a complement — rather than a substitute — to existing terrestrial networks. A partnership-driven approach, the report argues, could expand coverage, improve resilience and lower costs while strengthening local infrastructure ecosystems.
Call for coordinated policy action
The report urges stronger regional and continental coordination to harmonise licensing regimes, spectrum management, taxation, data governance and consumer protection rules. Such alignment would reduce inefficiencies and enhance Africa’s collective bargaining power with global providers.
Babacar Seck, founder and managing partner of Askya Investment Partners, said Africa stands at a decisive moment.
“Africa is at a genuine inflection point in its digital journey,” he said. “Satellite connectivity can expand coverage and strengthen economic dynamism, but only if it is integrated through partnerships that complement terrestrial networks. The regulatory choices governments make today will determine whether Africa builds its digital future or imports it.”
Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of the Africa CEO Forum, echoed this view, emphasising that innovation must be matched by robust governance.
“These new constellations could transform connectivity, particularly in remote areas,” he said. “But innovation without regulation is not a viable strategy. The technology is welcome, but it must compete under clear, fair and predictable rules.”