Access Partnership, a global technology‑policy consultancy, and AfriTrade Consulting Group have created an East African partnership to assist digital‑infrastructure operators and investors with licensing and regulatory requirements as they enter Kenya and the broader region.

The collaboration combines Access Partnership’s expertise in satellite, spectrum and connectivity regulation with AfriTrade’s regional experience in project development and regulatory navigation.

Together the firms will support operators across the project lifecycle, from market‑entry strategy and licence applications to regulatory approvals and operational rollout.

Kenya’s growing appeal as a hub for data centres, subsea cables, satellite connectivity and other digital infrastructure underpins the alliance’s focus, as the country seeks to attract capital while ensuring regulatory frameworks keep pace with emerging technologies.

Projects may need a range of clearances, including telecommunications licences, spectrum authorisations, satellite gateway permits and cable‑landing rights, depending on the technology involved.

The alliance’s first priority areas are satellite and telecommunications licensing, satellite gateways and ground stations, subsea‑cable landings and data‑centre approvals.

Andy Robb, Chief Space Officer at Access Partnership, highlighted East Africa’s potential as a frontier technology market, noting the region’s geography, demand and policy ambition.

Robb added that operators and investors need support to move from strategy to licensed operation without unnecessary delays, and that AfriTrade’s local knowledge can accelerate market entry.

The partnership arrives amid intensifying competition among African nations to secure investment in cloud computing, AI and next‑generation connectivity, with success measured not only by project announcements but also by the speed of regulatory approval.