Rivada Space Networks Strengthens Its Team in the Middle East with New Sales Director Appointment

Rivada Expands Its Presence in the Middle East with New Leadership

In a strategic move to enhance its operations within the Middle East, Rivada Space Networks has appointed Mustafa Afifi as the new Sales Director for the region. This appointment is key as Rivada aims to bolster its EMEA team amid growing demand for highly secure and reliable connectivity solutions among enterprise and government sectors in the Middle East.

Mustafa Afifi will focus on fostering relationships with telecommunications companies, regional satellite operators, and satellite resellers/integrators. His extensive background in telecom and ICT—gained through years with industry giants like Vodafone, Nokia, Ericsson, and Siemens—positions him well to lead Rivada's efforts in delivering unparalleled connectivity services.

The Game-Changing Outernet Technology

At the core of Rivada's operations is the innovative Outernet—the next-generation low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Once fully operational, it promises to deliver gigabit-speed connections globally, without relying on public internet infrastructures or third-party networks. This system combines advanced onboard processing with inter-satellite laser links, forming an optical mesh network that ensures ultra-secure data transfer from origin to destination.

The Outernet represents a fundamental shift in connectivity solutions, particularly for enterprise and government clients. It enables firms such as banks to establish secure, single-domain networks across international offices, offers higher bandwidth options for oil and gas exploration companies, and ensures seamless connectivity solutions for fleet management. Furthermore, existing cellular operators can benefit from 5G satellite backhaul connectivity, providing a robust expansion of network services.

Rivada’s VP of Sales for EMEA, Joe Apa, remarked, "With over $16 billion in global business related to our unique LEO network, our footprint in the Middle East is expanding rapidly. This underlines the region's growing demand for secure, space-based connectivity solutions. Mustafa's wealth of expertise in telecommunications across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa is a tremendous asset to our team."

Tackling Regional Infrastructure Challenges

The Middle East faces significant challenges regarding data transmission, particularly as geopolitical tensions have led to increased risks associated with international subsea cables—the backbone of global data traffic. Frequent disruptions and outages from cable cuts highlight the urgency for resilient and fast secure infrastructure. The Outernet offers a viable solution, enhancing the region's telecommunications backbone while maintaining data sovereignty and security.

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada, emphasized the necessity of secure and reliable connectivity, stating, "The Outernet is crucial in supporting the Middle East’s digital strategies by ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. It helps to fortify international networks while expanding domestic capabilities."

To showcase these advancements and engage with industry players, Rivada Space Networks will be exhibiting at CabSat from May 13 to 15, 2025. Attendees are invited to visit stand S3-C45 and participate in the SatExpo conference on May 14, where Joe Apa will deliver a keynote address about the future of LEO services.

In summary, Rivada's strategic appointment of Mustafa Afifi as Sales Director for the Middle East not only enhances its local team but also facilitates a broader conversation about the future of secure global connectivity technology. The implementation of the Outernet signifies a powerful leap forward for businesses seeking advanced communication solutions tailored to the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital world.