Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with NIGCOMSAT Ltd to develop NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite expected to expand broadband and digital connectivity across Africa.
The French-Italian aerospace company signed the agreement with the Federal Government-owned satellite operator in Cannes, France, on September 14, 2026.
Thales Alenia Space, jointly owned by Thales, which holds a 67 per cent stake, and Leonardo, with 33 per cent, said the satellite would provide television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice communications and streaming services.
With a launch mass of nearly four tonnes, NigComSat-2A will provide coverage across West and Central Africa and extend to Southern Africa.
The satellite is designed to improve connectivity in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure is difficult to deploy. It is expected to have an in-orbit service life of more than 15 years and will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.
“The signing of this contract represents a bold step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation,” she said.
“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 President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space, Hervé Derrey, said the partnership would enable NIGCOMSAT to strengthen its position in the satellite communications market.
“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company,” he said.
According to Derrey, NigComSat-2A will enable the company to provide reliable services in response to rising demand for connectivity and digital content.
He added that the contract also demonstrated the capabilities of Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform, which he described as reliable and efficient.
NIGCOMSAT Ltd was established on April 4, 2006, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to own and operate Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellites.
Its current satellite, NigComSat-1R, was launched in December 2011 and was the first satellite of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
NIGCOMSAT said the new satellite would provide greater flexibility and resilience in Africa’s communications infrastructure while supporting digital inclusion and economic opportunities, particularly in communities where ground-based networks remain limited.
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