Nigeria is strengthening its satellite communications infrastructure after government-owned NIGCOMSAT signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space to develop a new telecommunications satellite aimed at expanding connectivity across Africa.
Known as NigComSat-2A, the geostationary satellite is being designed to provide a range of communications services, including television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice communications and digital content. Its coverage will stretch from West and Central Africa into Southern Africa, creating additional capacity for households, businesses, public institutions and industries.
The satellite is expected to be particularly important for communities where terrestrial networks remain difficult or costly to deploy. By using satellite infrastructure to reach remote locations, NIGCOMSAT expects the project to help extend reliable broadband and other digital services beyond areas already served by conventional telecommunications networks.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and CEO Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the agreement represents a significant development in Nigeria’s digital ambitions.
“The signing of this contract represents a bold step in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation.”
She added that the satellite would increase Nigeria’s communications capacity while extending access to broadband and digital services, particularly in underserved communities.
The spacecraft will have a launch mass of almost four tonnes and is expected to remain operational for more than 15 years. It will be built around Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform, with the satellite intended to add greater capacity and resilience to communications networks across the continent.
For Nigeria, the project builds on NIGCOMSAT’s existing role in providing satellite-based communications. The government-owned operator currently offers services across C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-band frequencies, including broadband connections, satellite broadcasting and capacity for telecommunications and media companies.
Thales Alenia Space President and CEO Hervé Derrey said the company welcomed NIGCOMSAT’s decision to select it for the programme.
“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company,”
Derrey said the satellite would help NIGCOMSAT deliver communications services as demand for connectivity and digital content continues to grow.
Financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed. Once operational, NigComSat-2A is expected to provide another layer of communications infrastructure for Africa’s expanding digital economy, particularly in regions where terrestrial broadband expansion faces geographic or infrastructure constraints.