On the sidelines of the just-ended NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 in Cairo, a new chapter in regional space collaboration was opened as the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) and The Egyptian Satellite Company, Nilesat, formalized a strategic partnership aimed at expanding digital connectivity and enhancing satellite service delivery across Africa.
Timothy Ashong, Director General of RASCOM, and Mr. Hesham Sallam, Chief Commercial Officer of Nilesat, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Marketing Services Agreement, laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship focused on leveraging African satellite capabilities for sustainable development.
The agreement underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to build resilient infrastructure, improve access to communication services, and promote regional integration through technology. It also reaffirms the broader vision of using space as a transformative tool to address connectivity gaps and foster inclusive growth across the continent.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, RASCOM Director General Timothy Ashong expressed optimism about the impact of the collaboration:
“This partnership marks a critical step in Africa’s journey to harness space technology for inclusive development. By working hand-in-hand with Nilesat, we are positioning ourselves to deliver innovative, homegrown solutions that can unlock socio-economic opportunities and empower communities across the continent. It’s a demonstration of what African cooperation in space can achieve when vision meets commitment.”
The NewSpace Africa Conference, organized by Space in Africa and hosted by the Egyptian Space Agency, brings together key players in the African and global space ecosystem. This year’s event served as a catalyst for cross-border partnerships and new business ventures aimed at transforming Africa’s space industry.
The partnership between RASCOM and Nilesat sets a strong precedent for intra-African collaboration in space and satellite communications, reinforcing the continent’s determination to develop indigenous capabilities and chart its own path in the rapidly evolving space economy.