Luanda: The National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN) and Africel signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday in Luanda to strengthen cooperation between the two entities, with a view to expanding the services of the Angosat-2 satellite and increasing access to space technologies throughout the country. According to Angola Press News Agency, the agreement, signed in anticipation of the GEDAE (intelligent solutions first Geodata Center) commemorative dinner, within the framework of ANGOTIC 2026, is part of the partnership initiated in 2025 with the objective of transforming space infrastructure into concrete solutions for the economy and citizens. The director of GGPEN, Zolana Joo, stated that the memorandum aims to amplify the capacity to deliver products and services based on space technology and ensure that the benefits of public investments reach the entire national territory. 'The great challenge is to ensure that every Angolan citizen feels the direct impact of these services, not only in Lua nda, but in all provinces,' he said. He pointed to the oil sector, with spill detection systems, the mining industry, and agriculture as areas already benefiting from space technology, sectors that have been integrating satellite-based solutions to improve the efficiency and control of operations. In turn, the Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTICS), Mário Oliveira, stated that Angosat-2 represents 'modernity, innovation and services' available to the national economy, with its cross-cutting use in areas such as urban management, public administration and economic development. He also highlighted the importance of African cooperation in the technological development of the continent, appealing for the use of the potential of youth to drive innovation and retain talent in Africa. Africel Angola's CEO, Jorge Vasquez, considered that the partnership is achieving the project's initial vision, as it allows for bringing connectivity to underserved populations a nd boosting the economic sector through the expansion of the mobile network. The operator intends to launch between seven and eight new infrastructures in the first half of next year, with plans to expand to more than seven provinces by mid-2027. With this partnership, Angola reinforces its commitment to digital transformation and the strategic use of the space sector as an engine for economic development and social inclusion. The partnership between GGPEN and Africell Angola demonstrates the positive impact of collaboration between the public and private sectors, with GEDAE emerging as a strategic infrastructure for innovation, knowledge production, and the generation of economic and social value from geospatial information.
