Somalia engages in Arabsat Assembly as space ambitions grow

Somalia's Ministry of Communication and Technology has reinforced its commitment to regional space cooperation through active participation in the 48th General Assembly of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat). The virtual meeting saw Somali representatives engage in critical governance decisions, including approval of annual financial reports and election of new board members for the 46-nation consortium. 

Led by Department of Space and Satellite Director Mohamed Abubakar Ismail, Somalia's delegation contributed to strategic discussions shaping Arabsat's future as the organization prepares for its golden jubilee celebrations. The 49th General Assembly, scheduled for Riyadh in 2026, will mark five decades of pan-Arab collaboration in satellite communications and broadcasting services. 

"This engagement demonstrates Somalia's serious approach to developing its space capabilities through international partnerships," stated a ministry spokesperson. The participation builds on Somalia's recent admission to the African Union Space Working Group and follows the country's 2024 adoption of a National Space Policy framework. 

Arabsat's technical assistance programs are expected to support Somalia's planned Earth observation initiatives and telecommunications infrastructure development. With the organization currently operating seven satellites covering Africa, Europe and Asia, Somalia stands to benefit from capacity-building opportunities in satellite technology management and ground station operations. 

The assembly outcomes align with Somalia's broader digital transformation agenda, which prioritizes satellite connectivity to bridge infrastructure gaps in remote regions. As the Horn of Africa nation rebuilds its technological institutions, such multilateral engagements provide crucial platforms for knowledge exchange and regional integration in the space sector.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye