Chinese Initiative Brings Satellite TV to 10,000 African Villages, Including Nigeria

A significant initiative known as “Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages” is set to bring satellite television to rural communities across Africa, including Nigeria.

This programme is being led by StarTimes, Africa’s leading digital TV operator, and is supported by the Chinese government.

The project was announced in 2015 during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. According to a document obtained on the activities of China in Nigeria and other African countries since 2015, the initiative aims to provide satellite TV access to 10,112 rural villages in 23 African countries.

Each of these villages will receive two StarTimes Projector TVs, one 32-inch Digital TV set, and 20 DTH (Direct-to-Home) decoders equipped with satellite dishes. These devices are complemented with solar power systems and DTH access units to ensure that villages without reliable electricity can still benefit from the program.

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The Projector TVs and Digital TV sets will be made available in public areas within the villages, allowing residents to enjoy digital TV programs from 20 channels, including national and local stations, as well as international channels.

China’s “Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages” project aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Africa by providing stable and long-term access to a wide range of information and entertainment. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with African nations and improving the quality of life for people in remote and underserved communities.

The initiative is seen as a positive step in bringing educational and informative content to rural populations, potentially enhancing their access to news, entertainment, and educational programs, and promoting development in these areas.

Source: Punch