As leaders from across Africa arrive in Beijing this week for the triennial China-Africa summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will boast of one contribution that is very close to fulfillment: expanding access to satellite television across the continent. During the FOCAC event in Johannesburg almost nine years ago, Xi had pledged to provide access to digital TV for over 10,000 remote villages in 23 African countries. Today, this ambitious project is nearing completion, with more than 9,000 villages across the country fitted out with satellite infrastructure.
That the venture is not only a technological feat but one strategic move in strengthening China's soft power in a region of geopolitical importance. The project, funded through China's state-run South-South Assistance Fund, has also been a big investment in improving the ties between China and Africa, demonstrating Beijing's commitment to development aid.
An Expansion Promised
This is also in line with the broader BRI of China, focusing on the improvement of global connectivity and economic cooperation. The satellite TV project thus becomes part of an ongoing strategy for China to increase its clout in Africa through soft power, rather than necessarily through direct economic investments alone.
The project had been contracted by StarTimes, a private Chinese company. Since its entry into the African market in 2008, StarTimes has grown into one of the largest private digital TV providers in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 16 million subscribers. Its success has been based on competitive pricing that has made digital TV accessible to more people.
For instance, in Kenya, where the BBC has just conducted an investigation, StarTimes sells digital TV packages every month for between 329 shillings ($2.50; £2) and 1,799 shillings ($14; £10.50). This compares to Multichoice's DStv, whose packages cost between 700 and 10,500 shillings. These relatively cheap packages from StarTimes have been instrumental in its rapid uptake.
Real-Life Impact
The real impact of the project, however, plays out in the various villages of Kenya. In Olasiti village, three hours west of Nairobi, resident Nicholas Nguku wanted his friends and family gathered around as Kenyan athletes competed in the Paris Olympics. "I'm happy now to watch the Olympics, which we couldn't see before StarTimes came," he said. The addition of satellite dishes put up about four years ago has brought about quite a change in local life.
According to Dr. Angela Lewis, an academic researcher into StarTimes' impact in Africa, this has been a "game-changer." The major remote villages have been tapping satellite TV for the very first time; it acts as a window to the outside world, improving access to news and entertainment from all over the world.
Community centers that also housed hospitals and schools have benefited from this digital uplift. In Ainomoi village, digital TV in the local clinic helps patients while away the time as they wait for medical attention. At the local primary school, students attending cartoon shows after school are able to develop a sense of community and enjoy much-needed entertainment. According to Ruth Chelang'at, an eighth-grade student, "After school, we watch cartoons together. It's so much fun and a bonding thing."
Challenges and Criticisms
But amidst the positive reviews, the project has had its share of problems. Even Kenyan families were complaining that their excitement waned once the free trial period was over and then they actually had to pay for their subscriptions. To many, even the relatively inexpensive prices for StarTimes' packages have been a financial burden. Rose Chepkemoi from Chemori village said, "We were so happy when we installed the satellite dish, but it was absolutely free for only a few months. When the prices became too expensive to bear, we stopped using it altogether."
These financial complications address the very important issue that, whereas the project has made necessary equipment available, sustained success in the future will be determined based on whether or not the services remain affordable as economic pressures are faced by many of the recipients.
Strategic Implications
The satellite TV project forms part of China's comprehensive strategy to enhance its influence in Africa. It, therefore, purports to win goodwill for the country through increased access to information and entertainment and, by extension, improves diplomatic ties with the African nations. This approach aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative by the country, which aims at increasing connectivity across the world and promoting economic cooperation through strategic investment in various infrastructures and developmental projects.
In addition to the increase in digital access, the project is also a tool for China to display its commitment to the development of Africa. With free or low-cost satellite TV access for remote villages, China comes out as a benevolent partner in Africa's growth, against most Western nations, who often focus on increasing economic and political leverage.
Conclusion
The satellite TV project of China is one of the most important projects for digital expansion, apart from revealing its soft power in Africa. While the project has crossed impressive obstacles to expose the remote village people to global information and entertainment, it has its own set of challenges regarding affordability and sustainability. Whether their long-term success will be performed or not depends on what extent it will be able to overcome these challenges and ensure that benefits regarding digital access reach out to the most needy.
As African leaders and Chinese officials are meeting in Beijing, the satellite TV project exemplifies China's deeper strategic ambitions on the continent. The more infrastructure and development China builds, the more influence it gains and durable relationships China shapes across the continent.
For more on the implications of China's satellite TV project in Africa, refer to the links below:
This program has its risks, but it is an enormous move toward global connectivity through technology and development that furthers their diplomatic relations.