SES initiates trial of farming technology
March 3, 2026
By Chris Forrester
Satellite operator SES used the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona to introduce its trial of a dedicated technology for IoT which can aid farmers.
Specifically, SES and IoT technology provider Advannotech are collaborating to bring technology to South Africa’s next generation of farmers. The project enables young farmers to get a feel for data-driven agribusiness while participating in the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN), a hands-on programme combining practical farming, business skills and innovation for success.
The program aims to leverage technology to tackle food insecurity and economic growth through a climate-smart training farm in Centurion, South Africa. Using IoT over satellite and LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) sensors, the project monitors soil moisture and temperature, water levels, and environmental factors such as light, CO₂, humidity and air temperature. Connected through SES satellites to a cloud-based backend, this system bypasses cellular networks to deliver consistent, real-time data even in remote locations.
While this tech is at work in Africa, it can be implemented anywhere in the world.
“Before these IoT devices were put in the field, everything was guesswork,” said 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. “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.”
In the past, the farm faced tech challenges due to inconsistent cellular connectivity, hindering effective monitoring of growing conditions, water management and timely response to climate shifts. But satellite connectivity has been a gamechanger. Now sensors provide alerts when conditions fall outside optimal ranges, enabling immediate action.
“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,” commented Hans Geldenhuys, Director, Africa, SES.
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