Document :

ITU-D SG02  Contribution  11

Title :

Satellite constellations and the future of connectivity in Central Africa: economic, regulatory and sovereignty challenges for CEMAC

Date :

2026-02-10

Source :

Congo (Rep. of the)

AI/Question :

Q1/1, Q4/2

Meeting :

2026-04-20

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

The promise of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations to provide high-speed connectivity to the most remote areas of the globe holds great appeal. With the launch of 10,000 satellites since October 2025, Starlink has established a presence in some 20 African countries, including several from the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). However, this technological progress conceals complicated economic and regulatory realities.
In Cameroon, a Starlink kit costs more than EUR 500, while a monthly subscription is CFAF 32 000. These prices are beyond the reach for most residents.
More fundamentally, CEMAC suffers from a crucial lack of regulation. Unlike the European Union, which relies on the European Body of Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to standardize satellite policies, or the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has established a regional framework for the sharing of satellite resources, CEMAC does not have a unified policy. Each Member State manages satellites independently, resulting in market fragmentation and reduced bargaining power compared to that of the major United States players in the space sector.
This contribution considers how CEMAC can turn this challenge into an opportunity, based on ITU-D advice and regional best practices.