IEC Telecom Launches Satellite Tracking System in Africa to Tackle Rising Dangers for Aid Workers
In response to a dramatic surge in violence against humanitarian workers, with nearly 230 lives lost in the first half of 2025 alone, communications firm IEC Telecom has unveiled an advanced satellite-based tracking solution designed to enhance safety for field staff in high-risk environments across Africa and globally.
The announcement was made at AIDEX, the world’s leading event for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The new platform aims to provide reliable communication and real-time personnel tracking where terrestrial networks are unavailable or compromised.
The urgency for such technology is underscored by the latest Aid Worker Security Report 2025 from Humanitarian Outcomes. The report indicates that fatalities in the first six months of this year have already surpassed the annual totals for any year between 1997 and 2022, highlighting the escalating risks involved in delivering life-saving assistance.
“Coordinated action is essential not only for mission success but also for ensuring the safety of staff operating across the globe,” said Gwenael Loheac, President for Europe & West Africa at IEC Telecom Group. “Our new tracking portfolio, powered by Garmin’s leading hardware and managed through our Traksat digital platform, is purpose-built for organisational deployment.“
The system is built around the Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus, a rugged handheld GPS navigator that integrates an Iridium satellite receiver for communication far beyond cellular coverage. This allows for the exchange of multimedia files and, crucially, SOS notifications.
IEC Telecom’s Traksat platform enhances this hardware by offering centralised management features critical for large organizations. Administrators can monitor teams in real-time, establish geofenced safe zones that trigger alerts if breached, manage mission checklists, and scale user licenses up or down as needed.
The solution’s launch also aligns with the growing trend of “localisation” in the aid sector, where international institutions are increasingly partnering with local NGOs. This shift makes robust, transparent remote monitoring tools vital for ensuring both mission efficiency and the safety of dispersed teams on the ground.
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