RASCOM advocates for Africa’s orbital future at ITU Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva

The Director General of the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM), Mr. Timothy Adi Ashong has joined global space leaders at the ITU Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva to discuss Africa’s growing role and perspective in ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.

Speaking during a high-level panel, Mr. Ashong noted that space sustainability in the African context means more than just maintaining orbital safety but is about ensuring that Africa’s use of orbit, spectrum, satellites, and ground systems continues to deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits while preserving equitable access for future generations.

“For Africa, space sustainability is a development imperative,” said Mr. Ashong. “It means securing our orbital resources, strengthening our technological capacity, and ensuring that every satellite and frequency we use contributes to our people’s well-being and progress.”

He highlighted that this vision is deeply rooted in Article 44 of the ITU Constitution, which calls for the rational, efficient, and equitable use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary orbit.

Outlining RASCOM’s framework for space sustainability, Mr. Ashong mentioned five key pillars: operational, environmental, economic, human and institutional, and governance sustainability. These, he explained, are designed to safeguard Africa’s orbital filings, promote responsible debris mitigation, support blended-finance models for infrastructure, build expertise through training and technology transfer, and ensure African-led policy coherence.

As global markets in geostationary and low-Earth orbits continue to consolidate, Mr. Ashong called on African governments, regional bodies, and private partners to unite in defending and advancing the continent’s orbital interests.

“Africa cannot afford to be only a customer in the space economy — we must be co-architects of our orbital future,” he asserted.

He further commended the ITU for providing a platform for inclusive dialogue, noting that the forum offers valuable opportunities for Africa to share its perspectives and shape global space governance discussions.

“This forum reaffirms the importance of collaboration. It’s encouraging to see the ITU promoting dialogue that includes African voices in the conversation on space sustainability,” Mr. Ashong added.

RASCOM continues to work closely with the African Space Agency, African Union, ITU, ATU, Smart Africa, member states, and international partners to ensure that Africa’s participation in the global space ecosystem reflects its growing technological capacity and commitment to digital sovereignty and sustainable development.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye