Tech

Kenya set to launch first satellite codenamed Taifa-1

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2023

The Kenyan Space Agency (KSA) is set to launch the country’s first operational satellite next week in what is said to be a landmark achievement for the country’s space program.

The satellite codenamed Taifa-1, or Nation-1, in an announcement by the Agency on Tuesday, is scheduled to be launched on April 11, in conjunction with the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and is projected to take place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States.

The announcement made by the KSA Acting Director, Brig Hillary Kipkosgey, said the Taifa-1 satellite will “provide data for decision support to agriculture and food security, natural resources management, and environmental monitoring” among other details.

Kipkosgey said the mission is set to play a pivotal role in articulating Kenya’s contribution to the growth of satellite development.

“Space is the next frontier in many ways and we are happy to be part of this. This is our moment of pride,” Kipkoskey said.

“The observation satellite is fully designed and developed by Kenyan engineers and will be used to provide data on agriculture and food security, among other areas.”

The launching of the Kenyan satellite will add to a push by African nations for scientific innovation and the development of space programs, after Egypt became the first African country to send a satellite into space in 1998.

As of 2022, 13 African countries had manufactured 48 satellites, according to Space in Africa, a Nigeria-based firm that tracks African space programs.

Kenya had, in 2018, launched its first experimental nano-satellite from the International Space Station.

Related Topics:Featured Kenya Satellite Space Taifa-1

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.