--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa Cannot Progress in the Dark
“Each African government that wants its people to progress should stop shutting down the internet and work towards ending broadband blackout zones with satellite broadband solutions LEO or GEO.” — Casimir Berthier, CEO of Afrikanet
Africa is full of talent, ambition, and young innovators. But progress is blocked every time the internet goes dark. Shutdowns hurt education, business, communication, and opportunity.
Casimir Berthier is clear: governments must stop disconnecting citizens and invest in solutions that connect everyone.
Internet Shutdowns Are Rising
-
Since 2016, Africa has recorded over 190 internet shutdowns across 41 countries
-
Shutdowns have doubled since 2016, rising from 14 incidents in 2016 to 28 in 2024
Source: IDS – Internet shutdowns in Africa double since 2016
Every shutdown disrupts lives: students cannot learn, freelancers cannot earn, businesses cannot trade.
The Cost of Silence
-
In 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa lost USD 1.56 billion due to internet shutdowns
-
Over 111 million users affected for 32,938 hours
Source: WeAreTech – Africa faces 1.5 billion dollar blow
Ethiopia alone lost USD 1.59 billion in 2023 due to a blackout
Source: AllAfrica – Economic impact of blackout
Every blackout is a setback for growth and equality.
LEO Satellite Solutions: Bringing Africa Online
LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites orbit between 500–2,000 km above Earth, closer than traditional GEO satellites, allowing:
-
Lower latency: 20–40 milliseconds, fast enough for video calls, online classes, remote work, and gaming
-
High-speed connections: 100–250 Mbps for download, supporting businesses and educational platforms
-
Resilience: Unlike terrestrial fiber or mobile networks, satellites cannot be easily shut down or cut
Source: NetIntel – LEO satellite evolution
Satellite broadband is the fastest way to eliminate blackout zones and provide universal connectivity.
Source: Independent – Satellites support Africa’s telecom future
Afrikastar Products and Services
Afrikastar offers comprehensive satellite broadband solutions for Africa, including:
-
LEO and GEO satellite internet for urban and rural areas
-
Dedicated corporate connections for businesses and governments
-
Education-focused packages for schools and universities
-
Healthcare connectivity solutions for hospitals and clinics
-
Custom packages for remote communities and underserved regions
These services are designed to ensure reliable, high-speed internet access for all, bridging the digital divide and enabling progress across the continent.
Afrikastar’s Call to Action
Casimir Berthier’s message is clear: governments must stop shutting down the internet and ensure every African has access to connectivity.
No internet blackout is justified. Every disconnected village is a lost opportunity. Every shutdown costs billions. Africa must invest in broadband — now.
