French-Italian aerospace company, Thales Alenia Space, has secured a contract from the Federal Government-owned NIGCOMSAT Ltd to develop Nigeria’s next telecommunications satellite, NigComSat-2A.
The Punch reported that the company announced that the agreement was signed in Cannes, France, on September 14, 2026, with the new satellite expected to expand digital connectivity across Africa.
Thales Alenia Space said NigComSat-2A would provide television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice calls and streaming services.
The satellite, which will have a launch mass of almost four tonnes, is expected to cover West and Central Africa as well as parts of Southern Africa.
It added that the satellite was designed to improve connectivity in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure remains limited.
NigComSat-2A 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.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the agreement as a significant development in Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.
“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, also welcomed the agreement and expressed appreciation to NIGCOMSAT for its confidence in the company.
“I would like to thank NIGCOMSAT for placing their trust in our company.
“NigComSat-2A geostationary satellite 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. This announcement also underscores the success of our Spacebus B2 product line, renowned for its reliability, robustness and time-to-market efficiency.”
NIGCOMSAT Ltd, established on April 4, 2006, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, operates Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellites.
Its current satellite, NigComSat-1R, was launched in December 2011 and was described as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The new satellite is expected to strengthen the continent’s communications infrastructure, particularly in locations where deploying ground-based networks remains difficult, while supporting digital inclusion and wider access to information and economic opportunities.
