Satellite

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors

Q-KON has signed a strategic trilateral partnership with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. (Guodian Gaoke) and China StarWin Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (StarWin) to introduce next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services in South Africa

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors.

As part of the agreement, Q-KON will serve as the authorised provider for Tianqi-based IoT solutions in South Africa, leveraging its extensive local market expertise and distribution network. Guodian Gaoke will supply the LEO satellite constellation and related systems, while StarWin will provide certified ground terminals to ensure compliance with South African technical and regulatory standards.

Driving digital transformation in South Africa

The collaboration represents a significant international partnership in aerospace, combining advanced Chinese satellite technologies with local market knowledge. It aims to support South Africa’s national digital strategy while driving industrial modernisation, economic growth, and inclusive development.

Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON, said, “This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in our quest to service the African market through the application of leading satellite technologies by expanding the Twoobii portfolio to include an IoT service. Q-KON has always been committed to providing robust and relevant connectivity solutions, and our partnership with Guodian Gaoke and StarWin allows us to expand this commitment into the industrial IoT area.”

The Tianqi LEO constellation is designed for low-power, reliable communications, offering industrial-grade connectivity for sectors including mining, transport, agriculture, and utilities. The system enables real-time monitoring, automation, and data management for businesses and government agencies.

Sector applications and benefits

Amelia, chief operating officer & co-founder of StarWin, highlighted IoT’s role in addressing South Africa’s digital divide, a key challenge to economic growth.

“During its G20 Digital Economy Working Group presidency, the South African government positioned digital transformation as a core national strategy with clearly defined development goals. Within this framework, IoT is recognised as a pivotal technology for transforming traditional industries and has been deeply integrated into key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing,” she said.

By enabling precision management and automation, these IoT solutions are expected to enhance the competitiveness of South African products globally, support economic complexity, and create new employment opportunities in industrial IoT.

Zheng, vice-president of Guodian Gaoke, added, “This tripartite cooperation marks the Tianqi Constellation’s first project in Africa. Together, we will integrate advanced satellite IoT technologies with local industry to drive digital applications in forestry, power management, logistics, marine operations, and disaster prevention.”

The partnership exemplifies a co-creation model, combining technology with local market insight. It sets a benchmark for future international satellite IoT collaborations and represents a key step in accelerating South Africa’s digital industrial transformation, strengthening the country’s leadership in space-based technologies.

Airtel Africa and Eutelsat OneWeb have achieved a milestone by successfully testing high-speed satellite internet on a moving train across sub-Saharan Africa

In a major milestone for Africa’s digital and transport sectors, Airtel Africa has successfully tested satellite-powered internet on a moving train, marking a first for Sub-Saharan Africa

The trial demonstrated how uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity can be maintained over a 669 km railway route through dense forests and remote landscapes where fibre networks and cell towers are unavailable.

For years, railways have been a backbone of trade and travel across Africa, carrying millions of tonnes of goods and countless passengers. Yet, much of this vast network has remained disconnected from the digital world. Airtel’s latest achievement is set to change that reality.

Powered by Airtel Satellite for Business and Eutelsat OneWeb’s low-earth orbit satellite network, the test provided a stable connection throughout most of the journey, even through challenging terrain. Download speeds reached up to 100 Mbps, while uploads averaged 20 Mbps, meeting all the performance targets for the trial.

Connectivity remained smooth and consistent along nearly the entire route, with low latency and minimal interruptions, confirming the technology’s potential for real-world deployment.

This breakthrough opens the door to a new era in African railway connectivity. For operators, constant internet access enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved safety. For passengers, it promises reliable Wi-Fi, digital ticketing, real-time travel information, and onboard entertainment, transforming the travel experience.

Following this successful trial, Airtel and Eutelsat OneWeb plan to expand Airtel Satellite for Business services across Nigeria, Zambia, Gabon, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, extending high-speed internet access to some of the continent’s most remote areas.

From mining operations and oil fields to moving trains, this accomplishment demonstrates how satellite connectivity is redefining the limits of Africa’s digital landscape, bringing reliable internet to places where traditional infrastructure cannot reach.

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade, logistics, and industrial services, has begun the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across its worldwide fleet and terminal operations

This initiative represents a major advancement in the Group’s digital transformation strategy, designed to provide vessels with real-time data and ensure resilient, uninterrupted connectivity for ports and terminals. The move is expected to enhance efficiency and support fuel savings.

The rollout commenced this month following agreements signed with two leading global LEO satellite service providers.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, group chief information officer, AD Ports Group, said, “LEO satellite connectivity serves as the digital backbone that unlocks the full potential of our technology ecosystem. With high-speed, low-latency communications, we can deploy advanced AI applications for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation, and automated cargo tracking in real-time. This is not just about faster connectivity; it's about creating a smart, resilient infrastructure that maintains business continuity even in the most remote areas. By integrating this connectivity with our IoT sensors, smart port platforms, and AI analytics, we are building a truly connected supply chain that provides unparalleled visibility and control to our customers and partners.”

The phased introduction has started on several vessels within the Group’s 270-ship fleet. With high-speed, low-latency communications, LEO services enable real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, and dynamic route optimisation.

The satellite-enabled digital backbone will also drive AI-powered applications at sea, such as smarter voyage planning, fuel optimisation, and advanced safety monitoring, unlocking efficiencies previously restricted by limited connectivity.

At the port level, deployment is expanding to AD Ports Group’s network of 34 terminals across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia. The technology will deliver uninterrupted communications and operational continuity, particularly in remote regions and during critical activities. It will also bolster cargo monitoring, emergency response coordination, and service reliability.

This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s wider digitalisation programme, which includes smart port platforms, integrated supply chain systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. With LEO satellite connectivity serving as the foundation, these systems will now deliver richer, real-time insights and greater automation across the Group’s global operations.

Through the introduction of LEO satellite services, AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to driving digital innovation and sustainable growth in the global maritime sector. The Group intends to continue investing in advanced technologies and strategic alliances to deliver world-class solutions that benefit customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

The initiative will now support schools in four African countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Intelsat, a leading operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, is expanding its collaboration with educational resource provider MaxIQ Space to enhance the reach of the Africa Space STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program

The initiative will now support schools in four African countries.

Now in its fifth year, the program will grow to include 12 schools and introduce in-person learning for students in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal.

Participants will benefit from hands-on, community-based learning led by subject matter experts, combining Space STEM curriculum with innovative STEM kits, interactive training, and exclusive resources. These elements will help integrate space science, sustainability, and IoT education into classrooms.

STEM empowerment

The newly adapted 2025 programme is designed to empower both schools and educators, creating a lasting impact on African education systems. It aims to equip thousands of students with the skills and inspiration necessary for STEM careers, ultimately fostering a future-ready workforce that advances national development goals and strengthens technological capabilities.

“As a pioneer in satellite technology, Intelsat remains committed to maximising its contribution by inspiring the next generation and connecting African students to real-world applications of space technology. We are continuously investing in state-of-the-art local satellite ground infrastructures across the continent, and we are honored to play a role in preparing the young generation for this future,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice-president of the EMEA region for Intelsat.

“With Africa emerging as a key frontier for space infrastructure, it is essential to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive this transformation. Partnering with Intelsat to deliver the STEM program in Africa is an exciting opportunity to empower young minds and support the growth of technology and education in the region,” said Judi Sandrock, program manager at MaxIQ Space.