Intelsat partners with Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative
June 26, 2025
Intelsat has announced a partnership with Forest Whitaker’s nonprofit, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), to revolutionise access to education in conflict-affected regions across Africa. The collaboration will deliver high-speed internet connectivity to WPDI’s Community Learning Centres in South Sudan and Uganda, creating digital bridges to education for thousands of young people in areas where infrastructure has been insufficient or compromised.
Intelsat will equip 10 centres—seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda—with satellite connectivity. Over the course of this three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide equipment, managed connectivity services, installation, and ongoing technical support. This effort will bring reliable internet access to communities where traditional connectivity infrastructure is inadequate for modern online education.
“Education is the foundation for peace,” said Whitaker. “At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity—bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.”
“At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,” added Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. “Forest Whitaker and WPDI’s efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We’re proud to support WPDI’s efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.”
The satellite-powered connectivity will enable WPDI to sexpand its educational offerings, providing access to digital resources, online courses, and virtual exchange programmes that were previously impossible in these remote locations. Students will gain critical digital literacy skills alongside WPDI’s curriculum in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship and community development.
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