Nigeria and Thales Alenia Space Sign Deal for NigComSat-2A Satellite

Thales Alenia Space,  a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, has signed an agreement with Nigeria’s government-owned satellite operator NIGCOMSAT Ltd  to develop a new geostationary telecommunications satellite aimed at expanding digital connectivity across Africa.

The satellite, named NigComSat-2A, will provide 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 areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or difficult to establish.

NigComSat-2A will also support connectivity requirements across households, businesses, public institutions and industries, while expanding access to digital services in communities that remain underserved.

With improved broadband and communications infrastructure, the satellite is expected to contribute to digital inclusion and create opportunities for economic activity, knowledge sharing and wider access to information across the continent.

The satellite will have a launch mass of nearly four tonnes and provide coverage stretching from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. Its capacity is designed to add flexibility and resilience to Africa’s communications infrastructure as demand for connectivity and digital services continues to grow.

NigComSat-2A is expected to have an operational in-orbit service life of more than 15 years and will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform.

NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the agreement represents an important step in Nigeria’s digital transformation and highlighted the satellite’s expected contribution to connectivity and economic development.

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

– Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, NIGCOMSAT

Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said the company’s partnership with NIGCOMSAT would support the operator’s competitiveness while highlighting the capabilities of the Spacebus B2 platform.

“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.”

– Hervé Derrey, President and CEO, Thales Alenia Space