Panafsat partners Thales for Africa

Moroccan operator Panafsat and Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a satellite communications system for Morocco

This very-high-throughput system (VHTS) will serve 26 African countries, including 23 French-speaking nations, covering 550 million people across 12 million square kilometers.

The MoU was signed during French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco. The ceremony was attended by Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, and French minister of economy, finance and industry, Antoine Armand.

Thales Alenia Space will design and build a high-performance, flexible satellite under this agreement. The satellite aims to deliver high-speed internet to transform Africa’s digital landscape, offering connectivity essential for high-value services to governments, businesses, and individuals. It will also address the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Ahmed Toumi, chairman and CEO of Panafsat, stated, “This project is the next key stage in the digital transformation process and the development of a digital economy in Morocco, and across Africa as a whole. It will change the lives of millions of people, eager to benefit from Internet access and all the essential services they need. We are delighted to be able to draw on the outstanding expertise and capabilities of a partner like Thales Alenia Space. We look forward to working together on this major project, which will bring significant benefits across the continent.”

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added, “It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to be chosen by Panafsat to deliver this new geostationary telecommunications satellite. The project will make a significant contribution to bridging the digital divide in rural areas, as well as boosting economic growth and strengthening digital sovereignty across the African continent. We are honored to embark on this long-term partnership with Africa’s foremost private operator, helping it to expand its capabilities and develop space services for the benefit of the entire continent.”