In Africa’s most remote and conflict-affected regions, connectivity is no longer just a tool, but the backbone of inclusion and a vital lifeline for humanitarian operations. With nearly 25% of the continent’s rural population still lacking mobile broadband, establishing reliable communication remains a major hurdle for aid organisations. In a comprehensive feature for Intelligent CIO Africa (Issue 108), Gwenael Lohéac, President – Europe & West Africa at IEC Telecom Group, discusses how next-generation satellite constellations are bridging this digital divide.
The arrival of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks like Starlink has fundamentally changed the scope of aid operations. Previously, high costs meant satellite data was reserved only for the most critical tasks. Today, LEO technology provides fibre-like performance at a fraction of the cost, allowing NGOs to synchronise data, access cloud platforms, and utilise real-time video monitoring in areas where terrestrial networks are nonexistent or destroyed. This shift allows humanitarian teams to plan, coordinate, and deliver aid faster, with fewer delays, lower costs, and far greater operational control.
To empower these missions, IEC Telecom has introduced specialised solutions like the RDK 2.0, a compact, autonomous communications hub designed for off-grid humanitarian corps. Combined with the OptiView management platform, organisations can now get total control over their digital resources, directing bandwidth to active field teams in real-time while using voucher-based systems to provide vital welfare connectivity for staff.
“Satellite technology is not just enabling communication. It’s building the foundations for long-term digital resilience,” says Mr Lohéac. By 2026, as Starlink licensing expands across the continent, these hybrid systems will ensure that geography no longer limits access to education, healthcare, or life-saving coordination.
Read the full interview on the future of humanitarian connectivity in Intelligent CIO Africa.
