The Nigerian Government selected European spacecraft manufacturer Thales Alenia Space to build a new communications satellite, NigComSat-2A, for the government-owned NigComSat organization. The satellite will be designed to provide communication services, television broadcasting, remote internet access, voice calls, and streaming to the Africa region from geostationary orbit.
NigComSat-2A is a large satellite with a planned launch mass of nearly 4 tons. It is based on Thales’ Spacebus B2 platform with an in-orbit service life of more than 15 years. Its coverage region extends from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. In the contract announcement, Thales said that the satellite aims to “provide greater flexibility and resilience to Africa’s communications infrastructure, supporting the continent’s rapidly growing digital economy and the increasing demand for connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or difficult to deploy.”
NigComSat CEO and Managing Director Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen added, “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.”
Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
