By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Angola
is set to conclude its National Programme for the Training and Certification of
Space Technology Managers and Users, bringing together more than 130
participants from the country’s 21 provinces as part of efforts to expand the
application of space technologies nationwide.
The
programme, organised by the National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)
under the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social
Communication (MINTTICS), will hold its final in-person session on June 10 at
the National Space Program Perimeter in Funda.
The
training, which began on May 18, combines theoretical and practical instruction
designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills in space technologies,
satellite communications, and digital service delivery.
Since
June 8, trainees have been attending sessions in Luanda led by experts from
national and international organisations, including GGPEN, INFRASAT, Africell,
Anyconnect, ST Engineering, Newcraft, Airbus Defence and Space, the University
of Southampton, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
of South Africa.
The
curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including business models for space
services, pricing strategies, billing systems, customer management, VSAT
satellite communication networks, the space industry value chain, terrestrial
connectivity terminal operations, and Earth observation applications for
sectors such as agriculture.
According
to GGPEN, the initiative forms part of the broader Space Technology in
Communities project, which seeks to expand access to products and services
developed under Angola’s National Space Program.
The
programme is expected to support the rollout of key national space initiatives,
including Conecta Angola Comercial and OBSERVA+, both of which are scheduled to
be launched during ANGOTIC 2026.
Officials
say the project is intended to strengthen the use of space-based solutions in
communities, academic institutions, and municipalities across the country while
promoting greater awareness of the role of satellite technologies in
socio-economic development.
