SES Astra, a Luxembourg-based unit of SES Global [Luxembourg: SESG], and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa have agreed to invest in IP Direct, a satellite broadband venture started by Africa Venture Partners (AVP). SES Astra is taking a 40.96 percent stake in IP Direct; IDC’s stake was not disclosed. Financial terms were also not disclosed. IP Direct will use high power Ku-band space segment on the Astra 2B satellite located at 28.2 degrees East Longitude to provide optimal broadband coverage of West Africa.