Nigeria signs contract for new NigComSat-2A satellite

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture owned by Thales with a 67% stake and Leonardo with a 33% stake, has secured a contract from NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Nigeria’s government-owned satellite operator, to develop a new telecommunications satellite for geostationary orbit

Named NigComSat-2A, the satellite is designed to enhance digital connectivity across Africa by providing secure and dependable communications services. Its capabilities will include high-quality television broadcasting, fast and reliable internet connectivity in remote locations, as well as digital services such as voice communications and streaming.

The new satellite is expected to help extend digital access to underserved and remote communities while meeting the rising connectivity requirements of households, businesses, public institutions and industries across Africa.

By expanding the availability of dependable broadband and communications infrastructure, the project is intended to support digital inclusion while creating opportunities for economic development, knowledge exchange and improved access to information.

With a launch mass of nearly 4 tons, NigComSat-2A will provide coverage spanning West and Central Africa through to Southern Africa. The satellite is expected to add flexibility and resilience to the continent’s communications infrastructure as demand for connectivity continues to grow, particularly in locations where terrestrial networks can be challenging or costly to deploy.

NigComSat-2A is expected to have an operational in-orbit service life of more than 15 years. The satellite will be manufactured by Thales Alenia Space using its Spacebus B2 platform.

Supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation

NIGCOMSAT said the agreement marks an important step in expanding Nigeria’s satellite communications capabilities and improving access to broadband and digital services across Africa.

“The signing of this contract represents a bold step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation,” stated Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, CEO of NIGCOMSAT. “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.”

The agreement also highlights the continued application of Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform for geostationary communications satellites.

“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company,” stated Hervé Derrey, president and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “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”.