Thales Alenia Space Wins NIGCOMSAT Contract to Build NigComSat-2A Geostationary Satellite for Expanded Digital Connectivity Across Africa

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(IN BRIEF) Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with Nigerian government-owned NIGCOMSAT Ltd to develop NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite designed to strengthen digital connectivity across Africa. The nearly four-tonne spacecraft will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform and is expected to operate in orbit for more than 15 years, providing coverage from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. NigComSat-2A will support television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice communications, streaming and other digital services, with particular emphasis on underserved and remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. NIGCOMSAT CEO Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the project will expand Nigeria’s satellite communications capacity and improve access to reliable broadband for millions of Africans, while Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey highlighted the satellite’s role in strengthening NIGCOMSAT’s competitive position. The programme builds on NIGCOMSAT’s existing satellite activities, including NigComSat-1R, and its services across C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-band frequencies for broadcasters, telecom operators, businesses, public institutions and communities.

(PRESS RELEASE) CANNES, 14-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with Nigeria’s government-owned Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT Ltd) to design and build NigComSat-2A, a new geostationary telecommunications satellite intended to expand digital connectivity and communications capacity across large parts of Africa.

The satellite will provide a range of communications services, including television broadcasting, broadband internet connectivity, voice communications and digital content services. Its coverage will extend from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa, supporting households, businesses, public institutions and industries as demand for reliable digital connectivity continues to increase.

NigComSat-2A is particularly intended to improve access to broadband and communications services in underserved and remote communities where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure remains limited, difficult to deploy or economically challenging to extend.

By increasing the availability of satellite-based broadband and communications infrastructure, NIGCOMSAT expects the programme to contribute to greater digital inclusion, wider access to information and knowledge, new economic opportunities and the continued expansion of Africa’s digital economy.

With a planned launch mass of nearly four tonnes, NigComSat-2A will operate from geostationary orbit and is designed for an operational in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years.

The satellite will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform, which the company positions as a robust and efficient platform for telecommunications missions where reliability and deployment schedules are important considerations.

The new spacecraft will strengthen NIGCOMSAT’s satellite capacity while providing additional flexibility and resilience across Africa’s communications infrastructure. Satellite technology is expected to remain particularly important in areas where geographic conditions, population distribution or infrastructure constraints make terrestrial network expansion difficult.

Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, described the agreement as an important step in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

She said NigComSat-2A will increase Nigeria’s satellite communications capabilities while expanding reliable broadband and digital services to millions of people across Africa, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

According to Egerton-Idehen, the investment reflects NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to connectivity, innovation and economic development and will support the organisation’s goal of strengthening Africa’s digital future through improved satellite infrastructure.

Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, thanked NIGCOMSAT for selecting the company for the programme and said NigComSat-2A will enable the Nigerian satellite operator to strengthen its competitive position through reliable, high-quality communications services.

Derrey also highlighted the contract as another milestone for the Spacebus B2 product line, citing the platform’s reliability, robustness and time-to-market capabilities.

NIGCOMSAT is a Nigerian government-owned company established on 4 April 2006 under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. It owns and operates Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellite infrastructure, including NigComSat-1R, which was launched in December 2011 and became the first satellite of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company currently provides satellite services across C-band, Ku-band, Ka-band and L-band frequencies. Its activities include transponder leasing for broadcasters and telecommunications operators, broadband connectivity for underserved and remote locations, and satellite broadcasting services for television and radio.

Headquartered in Abuja, with offices in Lagos, Kaduna and Gombe, NIGCOMSAT is focused on expanding satellite communications services and connectivity solutions in Nigeria and across the wider African market.

Through the NigComSat-2A programme, Thales Alenia Space and NIGCOMSAT aim to provide additional satellite capacity capable of supporting rising demand for connectivity, digital applications and content while increasing the resilience and geographic reach of communications infrastructure across the continent.

ABOUT NIGCOMSAT Ltd

NIGCOMSAT Ltd Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT Ltd) is a government-owned limited liability company established on April 4, 2006, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The company owns and operates Nigeria’s geostationary communications satellites, including NigComSat-1R, launched in December 2011, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NIGCOMSAT provides innovative satellite solutions across C-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and L-band frequencies, delivering services such as:

• Transponder leasing for broadcasters and telecom providers
• Broadband connectivity to underserved and remote areas
• Satellite broadcasting for TV and radio

NIGCOMSAT Ltd is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria with offices in Lagos, Kaduna, and Gombe, NIGCOMSAT’s mission is to provide seamless connectivity and satellite communication solutions through innovation. Its vision is to be the leading satellite communication solutions provider in Nigeria and Africa.
ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

Thales Alenia Space leverages a unique combination of skills, technological expertise, and industrial capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures— drawing on 50 years of proven experience. Institutions, governments, and private industry rely on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere, connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Embodied by its Space for Life purpose, Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping build a better and more sustainable life on Earth, and beyond. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025 and has more than 8,000 employees in 7 countries with 14 sites in Europe.  #spaceforlife. www.thalesaleniaspace.com 

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SOURCE: Thales