By Zobia Zulfqar 
The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has hosted a delegation from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory collaboration and knowledge exchange in the rapidly evolving satellite communications sector.
The benchmarking visit took place in Accra and focused on enhancing cooperation between the two regulatory bodies while providing insights into the regulation of emerging satellite technologies and services.
The visit forms part of TCRA’s broader initiative to gain a deeper understanding of international best practices in satellite communications regulation as the sector continues to experience significant technological advancements.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Director General in charge of Technical Operations at the National Communications Authority, Mr Suleman Salifu, highlighted the growing importance of adaptive regulatory frameworks in managing developments within the satellite industry.
According to him, the satellite communications landscape has evolved considerably in recent years, moving beyond traditional geostationary satellite systems to include Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite networks.
These emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for connectivity while also introducing fresh regulatory challenges for communications authorities around the world.
Mr Salifu stressed the importance of ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain responsive to technological changes while protecting national and public interests.
“The satellite landscape is evolving rapidly, and regulators must continuously adapt their frameworks to ensure they remain relevant, forward-looking, and capable of enabling innovation while protecting national and public interests,” he said.
He noted that as satellite technologies become increasingly important for broadband connectivity, remote communications, disaster management, and digital inclusion, regulators must work together to develop policies that encourage innovation while ensuring effective oversight.
The Deputy Director General also reaffirmed the National Communications Authority’s commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration with regulatory institutions across Africa.
He emphasized that the exchange of expertise and best practices among regulators is critical to strengthening regional cooperation and achieving greater alignment in regulatory approaches.
The discussions covered a range of issues relating to satellite communications, including licensing frameworks, spectrum management, emerging technologies, regulatory compliance, and strategies for supporting innovation within the telecommunications sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzanian delegation, Mr Fuad Adam expressed appreciation to the National Communications Authority for hosting the visit and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Tanzania in the communications sector and praised the collaborative spirit that has characterized engagements between the two countries over the years.
Mr Adam noted that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the two regulatory authorities and provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences in responding to technological developments.
He recalled previous cooperation between Ghana and Tanzania during the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, describing it as an important example of successful regional collaboration.
According to him, both countries benefited from exchanging lessons and experiences during that period, which contributed to smoother implementation of their respective digital broadcasting programmes.
The current engagement aims to build on that foundation by expanding cooperation into emerging areas such as satellite communications and advanced telecommunications technologies.
Industry experts have noted that satellite technology is playing an increasingly important role in expanding internet access across Africa, particularly in underserved and remote communities where traditional telecommunications infrastructure remains limited.
As African countries continue to pursue digital transformation and increased connectivity, effective regulation of satellite services is expected to become a key policy priority.
The benchmarking visit demonstrates the commitment of both Ghana and Tanzania to strengthening regulatory capacity, fostering innovation, and ensuring that communications policies remain responsive to the changing technological environment.
The collaboration is also expected to contribute to broader efforts aimed at enhancing regional integration and promoting the development of Africa’s digital economy.
Source: (NCA)
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