Such a space instrument is expected to serve in the transmission of mobile phone signals as well as radio and television waves, thereby improving communication networking in Africa, according to NEPAD’s weekly electronic newsletter.

A partnership accord was signed on December 14 between the Microsoft Company and University of Yaounde to lay the groundwork for research towards the development of the communication spacecraft.

The accord was reached courtesy of MTN project “School Connectivity” which seeks to equip multimedia centers in university institutions, high schools and colleges around the world. According to the terms of the accord, the communication company would not only supply ICT tools to multimedia centers but would also offer training on their research use laying the groundwork for a satellite development by Africans themselves.

The objective is to help teachers develop pedagogic software for schools while also enabling them to prepare their courses and make evaluations.

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