Rivada and Q-KON advance Africa’s secure connectivity

Q-KON, a premier satellite services provider, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rivada Space Networks to bring cutting-edge connectivity solutions to Africa and beyond

This collaboration aims to drive digital transformation and expand network infrastructure across the continent.

Under the agreement, Q-KON will utilise Rivada’s Outernet—a revolutionary Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network—to enhance the reliability and security of specialised data networks, especially in sectors demanding high levels of data protection such as finance and banking. The Outernet’s multi-gigabit, bi-directional capabilities and global reach are expected to significantly boost network performance, supporting digital growth and new business opportunities.

Is Outernet ready?

With the rising importance of data sovereignty and resilience, Africa’s connectivity landscape is evolving. The Outernet promises a distinct advantage by delivering not just high-speed, low-latency service, but also robust cybersecurity infrastructure. Its architecture supports future-ready digital frameworks aligned with stringent data safety and privacy norms, fostering increased trust in digital applications and services.

Rivada’s Outernet differs from existing satellite networks by eliminating the need for data to pass through the public internet or third-party systems. It uses laser-linked satellites with onboard processing and an optical mesh structure that routes data entirely through space—from origin to destination. This unique design delivers ultra-secure, low-latency global connectivity, outperforming traditional terrestrial fibre on long routes.

Dr Dawie de Wet, Group CEO of Q-KON, said, “We are pleased to start working with Rivada to develop specialized LEO solutions for the advanced enterprise, industry and government markets in Africa and to complement our growing Twoobii LEO Smart Satellite Services portfolio. We view the Outernet as an evolution on the LEO architecture roadmap that will follow-on and advance the industry from the classic broadband LEO services currently being deployed in Africa, to unlock bespoke applications and high security service-specific user applications.”

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks, concluded, “We are delighted to be partnering with Q-KON supporting the development of communications across Africa. Rivada’s Outernet is what data communications has been waiting for – a game-changing constellation which re-defines connectivity in terms of security, latency, capacity, efficiency, and coverage. As a completely new type of LEO constellation, the Outernet can provide Africa with a next-generation digital infrastructure for secure, resilient communications and network expansion.”