In a timely and insightful contribution to the evolving discourse on infrastructure strategy, Nneka Adaobi Ochuba, a UK-based business strategist and independent researcher has introduced a forward-thinking model for strategic investment and risk management in satellite telecommunications. Her research paper, “Conceptual Development and Financial Analytics for Strategic Decision-Making in Telecommunications,” published in the International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research (Vol. 6, Issue 3, March 2024), offers an accessible and rigorous framework for navigating the high-stakes financial, operational, and strategic complexities of satellite project planning.

The satellite sector, often defined by technical innovation and capital intensity, is increasingly being called to respond to global demands for sustainability, connectivity, and investment resilience. Ms Ochuba’s work addresses these imperatives by reframing the role of business strategy and financial analytics as central pillars of infrastructure development.

“Strategic clarity and financial foresight are not luxuries in this sector, they are prerequisites for survival,” she writes.
Her model proposes a two-phased approach. First, robust conceptual development ensures that satellite ventures begin with clear objectives, a strong understanding of internal capability, and alignment with market realities such as regulatory frameworks, demand trends, and long-term cost structures. Second, through financial analytics, she underscores the need for adaptive, data-driven planning, integrating tools like scenario analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and sensitivity testing to evaluate performance under multiple future conditions.

“Static forecasts are no longer sufficient,” Ms Ochuba argues. “What’s needed is a dynamic financial model that can guide decision-making even under significant uncertainty.”

The research further explores the integration of risk management into early-stage planning. Ms Ochuba advocates for the adoption of international frameworks such as ISO 31000 and COSO ERM, customised to address sector-specific risks, ranging from spectrum allocation delays to capital cost inflation and technology obsolescence.

Importantly, the paper also touches on the role of emerging technologies. Ms Ochuba discusses the application of AI and blockchain to enhance transparency, automate financial modelling, and streamline regulatory compliance. These technologies, she suggests, are poised to transform satellite project evaluation by enabling real-time, adaptive decision support.

Real-world case studies from companies like Inmarsat and SES are used to ground her framework in practice, illustrating how integrated strategic-financial planning can improve both operational resilience and investor confidence.

Though deeply analytical, the tone of the publication is grounded, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented. Ms Ochuba draws on her experience leading business development at the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited, bringing a pragmatic understanding of market dynamics and public-private collaboration. Her professional background lends weight to her call for breaking down institutional silos and embedding financial strategy across the lifecycle of satellite projects.

Since publication, the article has gained attention in professional and policy circles. It is already being referenced in policy drafts, broadband investment roadmaps, and internal review discussions by stakeholders focused on expanding infrastructure to underserved regions.

Ms Ochuba concludes with a compelling reminder: “Sustainable satellite deployment begins with strategic foresight and quantified risk. Without that foundation, even the most advanced technology cannot deliver on its promise.”

Her contribution sets a new benchmark for integrating strategic thinking, financial intelligence, and technological foresight in satellite infrastructure development, offering a playbook for decision-makers navigating one of the most complex and impactful sectors of the global digital economy.