Rwanda taps into space economy to boost ICT sector

Rwanda has been making significant strides in revolutionizing its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector by tapping into the space economy. Alex Ntare, the CEO of ICT Chamber, emphasized the critical importance of this sector during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Ntare highlighted that the space economy is not limited to rocket science but encompasses both downstream and upstream aspects. While the upstream sector involves companies like SpaceX that build rockets for space missions, downstream activities support everyday technologies such as mobile telecommunications powered by space satellites. These satellites enable essential services like internet connectivity, aiding in the growth of Africa's digital economy. The recent launch of satellites by Elon Musk's SpaceX has particularly benefitted remote African regions by connecting previously disconnected populations to the internet. The global space economy is valued at $469 billion, yet Africa only taps into $19 billion of this market. Ntare identified knowledge gaps and cost barriers as the primary factors hindering Africa's participation in the space economy. Historically, space technologies were expensive and accessible only to governments due to their large size and costs exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. However, advancements in technology have led to the miniaturization of satellites, making them more affordable and accessible. Small-sized satellites like CubeSats now offer functionalities at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellites, opening doors for African countries to participate in the space industry. Rwanda's government has taken intentional steps to support the development of the sector by implementing programs, policies, and strategies to nurture local talent and attract new players. Initiatives to support entrepreneurship, facilitate B2B partnerships with advanced economies, and invest in the education of engineers are underway to propel Rwanda's ICT sector to new heights. While groundwork has been laid, continued investments in building a diverse skill set ranging from mechanical engineering to software development are crucial for the sector's growth and sustainability.