Nigeria Partners With Thales Alenia Space to Develop NigComSat-2A
Nigeria has signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space to develop NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite designed to expand digital connectivity across Africa.
The agreement was signed between Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, and NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Nigeria’s government-owned satellite operator.
NigComSat-2A will provide a range of communications services, including television broadcasting, broadband internet access and digital applications such as voice calls and streaming. Its deployment is expected to improve connectivity in remote and underserved communities where terrestrial networks remain limited or difficult to establish.
The satellite will serve households, businesses, public institutions and industries while supporting wider access to digital services across underserved areas.
With increased broadband and communications capacity, NigComSat-2A is expected to contribute to digital inclusion while creating opportunities for economic activity, knowledge sharing and access to information across Africa.
The satellite will have a launch mass of nearly four tonnes and provide coverage extending from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. Its capacity is designed to add flexibility and resilience to the continent’s communications infrastructure as demand for connectivity continues to increase.
NigComSat-2A is expected to have an operational in-orbit service life of more than 15 years and will be developed using Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and CEO Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the agreement represents an important step in Nigeria’s digital transformation and is expected to expand access to reliable broadband and digital services, particularly in remote communities.
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said the satellite would help NIGCOMSAT strengthen its competitive position by providing reliable communications and digital content services. He also highlighted the Spacebus B2 platform’s reliability and efficiency.
The project strengthens Nigeria’s satellite communications ambitions while positioning NigComSat-2A as a potential contributor to broader digital connectivity and economic development across Africa.
