SES has partnered with IoT specialist Advannotech and other service providers to introduce satellite-enabled technology to young farmers in South Africa, supporting a new wave of data-driven agribusiness.
The initiative is being rolled out through the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN), a hands-on training programme designed to equip aspiring farmers with practical agricultural experience, business skills and innovation tools. Based at a climate-smart training farm in Centurion, the project aims to address food insecurity and stimulate economic growth by embedding technology into modern farming practices. A three-month proof-of-concept trial has already been successfully completed.
The system uses IoT sensors connected via satellite and LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology to track soil moisture and temperature, water levels, and environmental conditions including light, carbon dioxide, humidity and air temperature. Data is transmitted through SES satellites to a cloud-based backend, bypassing unreliable cellular networks and ensuring consistent, real-time monitoring even in remote areas.
Joshua Ngoma, Founder & Chief Enabler of Enterprising Africa Regional Network (Pty) Ltd (EARN), the holding company of African Greeneurs, EARN’s youth agribusiness training subsidiary, said: “Before these IoT devices were put in the field, everything was guesswork. We used to water three times a day. But with the information you get on your phone or computer, you know exactly when to water. That saves power and conserves water, a very limited resource.”
Previously, inconsistent cellular connectivity limited the farm’s ability to monitor crop conditions and respond quickly to climate changes. Satellite connectivity has since transformed operations, enabling automated alerts when environmental factors fall outside optimal ranges and allowing immediate corrective action.
Hans Geldenhuys, Director for Africa at SES, added: “Through this project we have demonstrated that satellite-enabled IoT in agriculture will assist farmers in making data-driven decisions for higher yields and sustainability, irrespective of location.”
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