Thales to develop Nigeria’s new satellite

Photo: Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with the Federal Government-owned NIGCOMSAT Ltd to build NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite that will boost digital connectivity across Africa.

In a release on Wednesday, the firm said it signed the deal in Cannes, France, on September 14,  2026.

It noted that the French-Italian joint venture, owned 67 per cent by Thales and 33 per cent by Leonardo, will develop the satellite to deliver high-quality television broadcasting, reliable broadband internet and modern digital services including voice calls and streaming.

According to the release, NigComSat-2A, with a launch mass of nearly four tonnes, will cover West and Central Africa through to Southern Africa.

It is designed to improve access in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial networks remain limited. Its expected in-orbit service life exceeds 15 years and will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform.

NigComSat’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the contract as a major step forward for Nigeria.

“The signing of this contract represents a bold step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation,” she said.

“NigComSat-2A will not only strengthen our nation’s satellite communications capacity but also expand access to reliable broadband and digital services for millions of Africans, especially in underserved and remote communities. This project underscores NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to driving connectivity, fostering innovation, and enabling economic growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Thales Alenia Space in delivering a satellite that will empower Africa’s digital future.”

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Also, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space, Hervé Derrey, welcomed the partnership, saying, “I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company.

“NigComSat-2A geostationary satellite will enable NIGCOMSAT to strengthen its competitive position by delivering reliable, high-quality services that meet the growing demand for connectivity and digital content worldwide. This announcement also underscores the success of our Spacebus B2 product line, renowned for its reliability, robustness and time-to-market efficiency.”

NIGCOMSAT Ltd, established on  April 4, 2006, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, owns and operates Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellites. Its current satellite, NigComSat-1R, launched in December 2011, was the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The new satellite is expected to support Africa’s expanding digital economy by providing greater flexibility and resilience in communications infrastructure, particularly in areas where ground-based networks are difficult to deploy.

Officials said it would contribute to digital inclusion, economic opportunity and wider access to information across the continent.