Kigali, Rwanda 

East African governments are being urged to rethink how they regulate satellite internet as a new Africa CEO Forum report warns that offshore telecom operators could weaken local investment, reduce public revenues and reshape the region’s digital future. The report says satellite providers such as Starlink are expanding quickly across Africa, but their direct-to-consumer model raises questions about sovereignty, taxation and fair competition.

The report argues that Africa’s biggest internet challenge is no longer coverage alone, but affordability. It says about 86 percent of people in sub-Saharan Africa live within coverage areas, yet only 38 to 43 percent are actually connected, meaning the region’s digital divide is now driven more by cost than infrastructure gaps.

For East Africa, the issue is especially relevant because countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia are already weighing how to balance satellite services with mobile and fibre networks. The report says Kenya and Rwanda are among the markets where satellite internet has gained traction, while Tanzania and Ethiopia still face major affordability and access gaps that make hybrid connectivity models more attractive.

The report says satellite internet can help connect remote schools, clinics and rural communities, but warns that offshore operators may also draw away high-value urban and enterprise customers that traditionally help fund broader network expansion. That, it says, could squeeze incumbent telecom operators, discourage investment in fibre and towers, and reduce the flow of licensing and tax revenue to governments.

The paper cites Kenya as an example of how policy can adapt, pointing to the country’s growing use of disaster-risk financing and hybrid connectivity approaches. It says governments should require satellite operators to comply with the same rules as terrestrial providers on licensing, taxation, security and data handling.

The report also urges East African states to coordinate more closely through regional and continental frameworks so they can negotiate from a stronger position. It recommends a hybrid model in which satellite services complement, rather than replace, local telecom infrastructure, with more emphasis on African-owned gateways, data centres and network capacity.

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah: “We remain committed to strengthening economic ties between Dubai and Ethiopia and creating new channels for cooperation that unlock partnership opportunities for private sector companies in both markets.”
·       Ethiopia’s non-oil trade with Dubai increased to AED 22.3 billion in 2025, recording significant year-on-year growth of 236.6%.
·       1,676 Ethiopian companies were registered as active members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce by the end of Q1 2026.
 
Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully concluded a trade mission to Ethiopia with a series of bilateral business meetings in Addis Ababa between companies from Dubai and Ethiopia. The meetings created a platform to explore opportunities for cooperation and develop new partnerships across a range of priority sectors.
 
As part of the mission, the chamber hosted the ‘Dubai–Ethiopia Business Connect’ forum in cooperation with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations; the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations; and the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
 
The forum featured the participation of  H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, H.E. Amha Hailegiorgis, Deputy Director General for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs of Ethiopia; H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the UAE; Dr. Aynalem Abayneh, Vice President, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce & Sectoral Associations; Eng. Abebe Gurmesa, Vice President, Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and Rashed Abdulla Alshehhi, Head of Economic, Political and Media Section, UAE Embassy to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers giving his welcome speech to the ‘Dubai–Ethiopia Business Connect’ attendees

The trade mission featured representatives from 21 Dubai-based companies operating across diverse sectors including the automotive industry; building materials and construction; electronics; engineering; fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG); food and beverages; interior design; mining and metals; oil and gas; pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; printing and packaging; and textiles and ready-made garments.
 
About Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce continues to represent, support, and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai, create a stimulating business environment, and promote the emirate as a global business hub. The chamber is one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, which was restructured under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

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The future of African business education and economic transformation took center stage as the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) 2026 Connect Conference was held in Addis Ababa from May 13 to 15 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Africa Hall. It was the first time Ethiopia hosted the continental gathering, with Kibur College serving as host institution.

Held under the theme “African Values, Global Futures: The Role of Business Schools in Driving a Transforming Continent,” the three-day conference brought together more than 150 higher education leaders, business school deans, policymakers, researchers, executives and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Participants discussed how business schools can help shape Africa’s development agenda through stronger teaching, research and industry links.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from senior Ethiopian education and business officials, who stressed the need to align business education with labor market demands and economic priorities. Eba Mijena (PhD), director general for higher education academic affairs at the Ministry of Education, said the government remains committed to strengthening higher education institutions and modernizing business education.

Kenenisa Lemi (PhD), secretary general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure graduates acquire practical skills relevant to changing labor markets. AABS Executive Director Lana Elramly said African business schools must work together to produce ethical, innovative and globally competitive graduates.

In his welcome address, Kibur College Dean Desalegn Mekuria said hosting the conference in Ethiopia was a source of pride and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality and practical business education. AABS Board Chairman Maurice Radebe highlighted the association’s role in promoting standards, partnerships and excellence in management education across the continent.

More than 25 speakers and panelists participated in sessions covering youth skills, digital transformation, accreditation, research impact, artificial intelligence, ethics, innovation and the future of work. Discussions focused on how African business schools can better integrate AI, entrepreneurship, sustainability and experiential learning while remaining rooted in African values and local relevance.

Delegates also visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, where they learned about the country’s progress in AI research and technology-driven innovation. The programme further included tours of museums, cultural landmarks and major urban development sites in Addis Ababa, giving participants a broader view of Ethiopia’s history, heritage and modernization efforts.

The conference concluded with calls for stronger continental cooperation, quality assurance, digital transformation and more inclusive education systems to prepare Africa’s youth for future opportunities. It also reinforced Ethiopia’s growing role in continental academic and innovation dialogue.

Fuelstor today officially commenced construction of its landmark multi-product terminal in Damerjog, marking a major milestone in Djibouti’s energy and logistics infrastructure development. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and international partners to launch a project set to strengthen regional trade connectivity and enhance energy supply resilience across EastAfrica.
 
Representing an investment of approximately DJF 30 billion (USD 160 million), the Fuelstor development reflects Salaam Group’s long-term commitment to strategic infrastructure investments supporting regional trade, industrial growth, and supply chain modernization. Spanning 22 hectares, the project will develop a large-scale integrated platform dedicated to the storage, trading, and redistribution of fuel, LPG, and edible oil products. With an estimated storage capacity of 400,000metric tons, the project positions Djibouti as a critical hub within regional and global supply chains.
  
A High-Impact Platform for Regional Trade
 More than a storage facility, Fuelstoris being developed as a fully integrated logistics and trading platform designed to support growing regional demand and shifting global supply routes.
 
Located in the strategic Damerjog corridor, the terminal will facilitate the efficient movement and redistribution of fuel, LPG, Edible Oil and essential commodities. Fuelstor’s operating model is anchored in seamless multimodal access to Ethiopia and the wider region.
 
’’This project  represents  a defining milestone  for Fuelstor and a significant step forward  for the region’s energy and logistics  landscape,” said – Houssein Ahmed Houmed, General Manager, Fuelstor. “Fuelstor  Terminal is uniquely positioned  to become a key gateway connecting global supply markets  to growing  demand across  East Africa.”’’
 
At a time when supply chain security and diversification have become increasingly   important, the project introduces    critical    infrastructure capacity    to   support long-term   regional growth.
 
Strengthening Djibouti’s Role as a Regional Hub
 The Fuelstor Terminal reinforces Djibouti’s position as a stable and essential trade corridor linking Africa to international markets.
 
Aligned with the country’s long-term infrastructure ambitions, the project supports the expansion of Djibouti’s logistics ecosystem while attracting high-value investment into strategic sectors.
 
By scaling up storage and distribution capabilities, Fuelstor contributes to positioning Djibouti at the center of future regional energy and trade flows.
 
World-Class Execution and Economic Impact
 Construction is being carried out by Somagec, an internationally recognized engineering group with extensive experience in large-scale industrial and maritime infrastructure projects.
 
The partnership combines Fuelstor’s long-term vision with proven execution expertise to deliver a high-standard, reliable infrastructure plat form.
The   project   is   expected   to   generate   significant economic activity during both construction and operational phases, including the creation of hundreds of jobs and the development of local capabilities.
 
Building Infrastructure for the Future
As one of Djibouti’s leading diversified groups, Salaam Group continues to expand its footprint across strategic sectors   through   investments   designed   to   support economic transformation, regional connectivity, and long-term infrastructure development. Fuelstor reflects a   forward-looking vision   focused   on   developing resilient, scalable infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of regional markets.
 
Designed as a multi-product platform integrating storage, logistics, and trading capabilities, the terminal will enable more efficient supply flows while supporting the modernization of East Africa’s logistics landscape.

Backed by Salaam Group, the project underscores a long-term commitment to infrastructure investments that drive economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable growth across Africa.
  
For more information, please contact:
 Abdikhaliq Farah Sugall Project Coordinator
+25377 49 8069   I abdikhaliq@fuelstorfze.com
   
About Fuelstor
 Fuelstor is a strategic energy and logistics infrastructure company focused on the development of large-scale storage, trading, and redistribution platforms for fuel, LPG, and edible oil products. Through its integrated infrastructure projects, Fuelstor aims to strengthen regional supply chains, facilitate trade flows, and contribute to the expansion of Africa’s logistics and energy ecosystem.
 
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https://fuelstor.com/