Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, has signed a contract with Nigeria’s government-owned satellite operator, NigComSat Ltd, to develop NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite designed to strengthen digital connectivity across Africa.
The satellite will deliver secure, reliable communications services, including high-quality television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice communications, and streaming. It will also extend connectivity to underserved and remote communities where terrestrial networks remain limited or challenging to deploy.
By expanding access to broadband and communications infrastructure, NigComSat-2A is expected to support households, businesses, public institutions and industries, while contributing to digital inclusion, economic development, knowledge sharing and broader access to information across the continent.
Weighing nearly four tonnes at launch, the satellite will provide coverage spanning West and Central Africa through to Southern Africa. Its additional capacity and flexibility are expected to strengthen the resilience of Africa’s communications infrastructure as demand for connectivity and digital services continues to increase.
NigComSat-2A is designed to operate for more than 15 years in orbit and will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 satellite platform, a product line recognised for its reliability, robustness and efficient time-to-market.
Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, said the agreement represents an important step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
She added that the satellite would strengthen Nigeria’s satellite communications capabilities while expanding access to reliable broadband and digital services, particularly for underserved and remote communities. According to Egerton-Idehen, the project reflects NigComSat’s commitment to advancing connectivity, innovation and economic growth across Africa.
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, thanked NigComSat for its confidence in the company, noting that NigComSat-2A will enable the operator to strengthen its competitive position by providing reliable, high-quality services in response to growing global demand for connectivity and digital content.
Derrey also highlighted the performance of the Spacebus B2 platform, describing it as a proven solution with a strong track record for reliability, robustness and delivery efficiency.
The NigComSat-2A project represents another significant investment in Africa’s satellite infrastructure, with the potential to support the continent’s growing digital economy and help bridge persistent connectivity gaps.
