Suara Sherif
Nigeria has taken a bold step into the future of digital connectivity, with Thales Alenia Space signing a contract to build NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite set to boost internet access, broadcasting and digital services across Africa.
The deal, signed in Cannes, France, on September 14, 2026, will see the French-Italian joint venture develop the satellite for NIGCOMSAT Ltd, the Federal Government-owned satellite operator.
NigComSat-2A, with a launch mass of nearly four tonnes, will cover West and Central Africa through to Southern Africa, delivering high-quality television broadcasting, reliable broadband internet and modern digital services including voice calls and streaming.
The satellite is designed to improve access in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial networks remain limited, a crucial step toward bridging Africa’s digital divide.
Its expected in orbit service life exceeds 15 years, and it will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform, known for its reliability and time-to-market efficiency.
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.”
”We are proud to partner with Thales Alenia Space in delivering a satellite that will empower Africa’s digital future.”
Thales Alenia Space President and CEO, Hervé Derrey, welcomed the partnership, thanking NIGCOMSAT for its trust.
He said the satellite would enable NIGCOMSAT to strengthen its competitive position by delivering reliable, high-quality services that meet growing demand for connectivity and digital content worldwide.
He also noted that the project underscored the success of the Spacebus B2 product line, renowned for its reliability, robustness and 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.
For Nigeria and Africa, NigComSat-2A represents more than a satellite.
It is a statement of intent: that the continent’s digital future will be built with its own infrastructure, and that no community should be left offline in the connected world.
