Satellite is one of Rwanda’s most awaited infrastructures along the ICT promotion journey.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the ongoing Transform Africa Summit in Kigali yesterday, Prof Shinichi Nakasuka from Tokyo University said that they build satellites since 2000 and they want to partner with Rwanda in making a small satellite which will not only be used in communication, but also a foundation to build more satellites.
He said that based on the trend of technology, it is not necessary to build a big satellite to be sent in the space. He said that they are using technologies which build satellites weighing below three kilograms.
On the budget of the satellite, Prof. Shinichi said that it will take around $200,000.
“Building such a satellite cost $200,000 (about Rwf173 million), while building the existing satellite could take at least $300 million (about Rwf260 billion),” he explained.
Before signing the agreement with RURA, Japanese companies signed the agreement with Smart Africa so that the satellite project can benefit member countries.
RURA Director General, Lt. Col. Patrick Nyirishema explained that Smart Africa has 22 member countries. On the side of Government of Rwanda, Nyirishema said that the project will be surely implemented.
“Rwanda wants to start the project with Japanese partners so that we can train people and build a satellite. By this period next year, we will present what we shall have completed. Great things are going to be done,” he explained.
The Executive Director of Smart Africa, Dr. Hamadoun Touré said that few Africans are skilled in satellite building, adding that many Africans are committed to joining the sector. He said that the training is necessary.
“Rwanda is committed to this project that will not only benefit Rwanda, but also the rest of the world,” he explained.
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