Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan have taken a significant step towards reducing reliance on foreign-controlled communication systems after signing a joint resolution to undertake a feasibility study for a regionally owned satellite.
The agreement, signed under the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP), signals a renewed push by the four countries to strengthen digital sovereignty and expand access to affordable connectivity across the region.
According to a press statement issued on April 29, 2026, the resolution was adopted during an inter-ministerial meeting held in Nairobi on the sidelines of the Connected Africa Summit. Uganda chaired the meeting, with South Sudan serving as co-chair.
The latest move builds on directives from the 14th Northern Corridor Summit, where Heads of State called for the development of a jointly owned communication and broadcasting satellite to support the region’s digital transformation agenda.
If realised, the project is expected to ease dependence on external satellite providers, a long-standing concern among policymakers who argue that reliance on foreign infrastructure exposes the region to high costs, limited control and potential service vulnerabilities.
Officials say a regional satellite could improve connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while strengthening broadcasting capacity and supporting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security and disaster response.
Ministers also underscored the importance of pooling resources and technical expertise to undertake the feasibility study, which will determine the project’s viability, cost implications and implementation framework.
While still at an early stage, the initiative reflects growing recognition among East African governments that control over digital infrastructure is becoming as strategic as traditional sectors such as energy and transport.
The outcome of the study will be pivotal in determining whether the ambitious plan can transition from policy ambition to a fully-fledged regional investment.
