Thales Alenia Space, a French-Italian joint venture, has signed a contract with Nigeria's Federal Government-owned NIGCOMSAT Ltd to develop NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite. The deal was signed in Cannes, France, on September 14, 2026. The satellite aims to boost digital connectivity across Africa, providing high-quality television broadcasting, reliable broadband internet, and modern digital services.
NigComSat-2A will cover West and Central Africa through to Southern Africa, with a launch mass of nearly four tonnes. The satellite is designed to improve access in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial networks remain limited. Its expected in-orbit service life exceeds 15 years and will be based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus B2 platform. This project is expected to support Africa's expanding digital economy by providing greater flexibility and resilience in communications infrastructure.
NIGCOMSAT's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, welcomed the partnership, describing the contract as a major step forward for Nigeria. She emphasized that NigComSat-2A will strengthen the nation's satellite communications capacity and expand access to reliable broadband and digital services for millions of Africans. This project underscores NIGCOMSAT's commitment to driving connectivity, fostering innovation, and enabling economic growth across the continent.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space, Hervé Derrey, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He thanked NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in the company and highlighted the success of their Spacebus B2 product line. Derrey noted that NigComSat-2A 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.
NIGCOMSAT Ltd, established on April 4, 2006, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, owns and operates Nigeria's geostationary communications satellites. Its current satellite, NigComSat-1R, launched in December 2011, was the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The new satellite is expected to contribute to digital inclusion, economic opportunity, and wider access to information across the continent.
The development of NigComSat-2A is a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey toward digital transformation. The satellite will provide greater flexibility and resilience in communications infrastructure, particularly in areas where ground-based networks are difficult to deploy. Officials believe that this project will have a positive impact on the country's digital economy and will help bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
The partnership between Thales Alenia Space and NIGCOMSAT Ltd is a testament to the growing demand for reliable and high-quality digital services in Africa. With NigComSat-2A, millions of Africans will have access to improved digital services, enabling them to participate in the global digital economy. The project is expected to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and promote digital inclusion across the continent.
Key points
- Thales Alenia Space signs contract with NIGCOMSAT Ltd to build NigComSat-2A, a geostationary telecommunications satellite.
- NigComSat-2A aims to boost digital connectivity across Africa, providing high-quality television broadcasting, reliable broadband internet, and modern digital services.
- The satellite is expected to contribute to digital inclusion, economic opportunity, and wider access to information across the continent.
