The document summarizes the FutureSat Africa 2017 conference, which brought together leaders from the satellite and terrestrial connectivity sectors in Africa to discuss integrating technologies to improve connectivity across the continent. The two-day conference included presentations on evolving satellite technologies and their role in connectivity, as well as panels discussing country-level connectivity strategies. Attendees represented 16 countries and various sectors, and provided positive feedback on the networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

1. Knowledge Partner
FutureSat Africa 2017 took place on the 11th-12th July 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria against the
backdrop of a rapidly evolving connectivity agenda in Africa and on the verge of major evolutions in
the global satellite sector. Whilst the FutureSat Summit clearly has a strong satellite flavour and
provides a valuable oportunity for key decision makers from across Africa to meet with leaders from
the global satellite sector, we focussed the agenda on the need for integration and collaboration
between satellite and terrestrial technologies and the purpose of connectivity, rather than just
revieiwng the technologies in isolation. As we know, Telecoms and ICT are enablers and are not an
end goal. It is vital when planning networks that they are designed to address objectives and they
are designed with a forward focus on the future needs of business, government and other end users.
We started this year’s summit with the satellite industry’s leading body and our knowledge partner,
the GVF (Global VSAT Forum), presenting a revealing insight into NewSpace Constellations:
Expanding the Satellite Ecosystem. This was followed by a scene setting insight on new
opportunities created by the development of High Throughput Satellites over Africa, creating Fast,
Affordable and Available Broadband over Satellite. Following these crucial insights into how the
satllite sector is evolving to support Africa’s connectivity agenda, we broke into a lively panel
discussion which combined the perspectives of one of Africa’s leading satellite connectivity providers
Yahsat, with a fibre focused Nigerian ISP - BCN, VSAT connectivity provider – Hughes and Rural
Connectivity service provider – NuRAN to get a balanced view on how a country can enjoy the
benefits of multiple technologies in order to achieve robust connectivity and how service providers
must be open to exploring all options when it comes to developing their networks.
Sector case studies provided differing perspectives on the connectivity requirements of emergency
responders, NGOs, education institutions and large enterprise. These insights illustrated the need for
network diversity, effective planning and collaborative thinking when it comes to aligning network
developments with end user requirements.
GVF launched their SatAfrica working group with a parallel session for policy makers and regulators,
setting up the opportunity for engagement, collaboration and open dialogue between the satellite
industry, policy makers and regulators in Africa to ensure further alignment. Insights raised in the
session were later shared in a panel session during the main programme agenda.
Day 2 opened with a reflection on the need to ensure Security and Network Reliability when
considering networks developments. In depth insights laid out the financial consequences of poor
planning and management whilst effective use of the right technologies and good old fashioned
common sense, can go a long way to mitigating risk and optimising opportunity. The remainder of
the day was spent looking forward towards M2M, IoT, Smart City and 5G connectivity and the
summit wrapped up with a revealing GVF presentation from recently released data on the
International Market followed by a panel which debunked myths and revealed further insights into
the satellite industry and it’s future plans.

2. Knowledge Partner
FutureSat Africa 2017 (in numbers)
150+ attendees • 16 Countries (10 African) • 40+ Speakers • 20+ Sessions • 2 Workshops • 1
Working Group
Board Level
3%
C' Level
21%
Operational
Level
18%
Senior
Management
58%
FUTURESAT ATTENDANCE BY TITLE
Major End User
Policy Maker
Regulator
Service
Provider
Solution
Provider
FUTURESAT AFRICA ATTENDANCE BY
SECTOR

3. Knowledge Partner
FutureSat Africa 2017 Testimonials
 It was an interesting learning experience- Director, Liberty TV
 An enlightening experience with fantastic opportunities to network and explore possibilities
for value-addition to my corporate productivity- Deputy Director Digital Media, Voice of
Nigeria
 It was a very good experience- Senior Officer, NCC
 The chance to explore and discuss our growth plans with key companies was very useful to
us and a huge success- CEO, Certis Nigeria Ltd
 Networking connectivity was great! CTO, Centri-Net Technology
 All presentations attended were very good Director of ICT, Ministry of Education, Science
and Technology Kaduna
 It was very interesting, informative and hospitable- GM, Broadcasting Corporation of Niger
State
 The Summit was a wonderful experience! It opened my eyes on new ideas on how to use
different solutions to solve transmission challenges- Head Satellite Communication,
Channels TV
 Exciting and memorable- Head of ICT, Lagos State Radio Service
 Great Conversations and Meetings- CCO, Coolink
 It has been enlightening on the revolution of the satellite/telecoms market, meeting key
players and collaborating- CTO, Cezart Technologies Limited
 Easy going ambience, all contacts made were high calibre- International Account Manager,
WTL
 It was an impactful and enlightening programme that provided information on the latest
trends in the industry- Senior Manager Satellite Control and Operations, Nigcomsat
 Useful, potential to be a key event across the continent- Systems Engineer, iDirect
 Pleasing and good networking- Global marketing and experience project manager, Isocel
 It was very informative and inspiring. It gave me so many cases for further research- Senior
Planning Officer, National Centre for Technology Management
 It was awesome as it presented rare opportunities to highlight the advantages of satellite
communications and Vsat technology- Regional Head, Access Bank Plc
 The Summit was exciting, enlightening aswell as opening the greatest of opportunities in
satellite development- MD, Broadcasting Radio Commission Bauchi
 Delightful and very insightful- Head if IT infrastructure, Access Bank
 The Summit has allowed me to update my knowledge concerning the satellite broadband
and ICT solutions available across Africa- CTO, Jeny SAS