Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Satellite Connectivity in Africa

Contact the members at: wg-satafrica@iisl.space

The African Working Group on Satellite Connectivity, under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), is inviting applications for Research Members to support its mission of advancing legal and policy understanding of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband services across Africa. The group aims to assess the current status of LEO satellite adoption in several African countries, explore legal, regulatory, and policy challenges, analyze international space law, ITU frameworks, and national licensing systems, and develop legal guidelines that promote equitable and sustainable access to satellite broadband across the continent.

Research Members will engage in legal research, data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and the preparation of reports and papers, ultimately contributing to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, regulatory proposals, and actionable policy recommendations.  

Please, find below the form link for the call for applicants:

or copy/paste: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScO_-83x90yZCbuSdd1HJ5H-Pda9Lc7iTfBJai_Nk2MTwVC6g/viewform?usp=dialog

This initiative focuses on:

1. Assessing the current status of LEO satellite service adoption in selected African countries (e.g., Nigeria and Ghana), with possible expansion to other nations.
2. Examining legal, policy, and regulatory challenges tied to the deployment of LEO satellite services.
3. Analyzing international space law, ITU procedures, national laws, and licensing frameworks
4. Developing legal guidelines for equitable and sustainable access to satellite broadband in Africa.

Role of Research Members

Research Members will contribute over a 12–18 month period, supporting:

• Legal and policy research
• Report and paper writing
• Data analysis and interviews
• Stakeholder Engagement

Expected Outcomes

• Peer-reviewed paper(s) on bridging the digital divide via satellite internet
• A technical report on legal and regulatory gaps
• Proposed regulatory guidelines for LEO satellite broadband services
• A final report with actionable policy recommendations

Together, we can pave the way for a more connected, innovative, and sustainable future for Africa.