DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has made history as the host of the 2026 SADC Joint Satellite Forum, a five-day summit bringing together space and satellite experts from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
The forum, which officially kicked off on February 16, 2026, and runs until February 20, marks a strategic milestone toward positioning the SADC region as a leader in satellite technology and the African space economy.
According to a statement from the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), member states are moving to launch a Joint Satellite, expected to drive innovation in communications, disaster management, weather monitoring, modern agriculture, and rural internet expansion.
The initiative aims to close the digital divide and strengthen regional technological independence.
TCRA further noted that the forum has convened technical experts, policymakers, and international partners, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to transform policy visions into actionable, measurable results.
Opening the forum, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, described the summit as a strategic step to enhance regional capabilities and ensure SADC becomes a strong player in the global space economy.
“Through this collaboration, we will expand communications services to underserved areas, improve disaster preparedness, and build our technological independence,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Jabiri Bakari, pledged continued close cooperation with member states and international stakeholders to ensure the Joint Satellite initiative is successfully implemented.
The forum signals a shift from policy discussion to concrete action, giving SADC a strong voice in shaping the future of space technology globally.
