Nigeria: Thales to build NigComSat-2A to expand broadband in Africa

The satellite will have a launch mass of nearly four tons and will be based on the Spacebus B2 platform. Its expected operational lifespan in orbit will exceed fifteen years. Its coverage area will extend from West Africa and Central Africa to Southern Africa.

NigComSat-2A is set to provide television services, fast and stable internet access, including in remote areas, as well as digital services such as voice calls and streaming. NIGCOMSAT claims that the project aims to particularly expand broadband access in underserved communities.

The contract follows the approval by the Nigerian Federal Executive Council for the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation satellites, NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B. In August, NIGCOMSAT announced it had engaged Thales Alenia Space and Israel Aerospace Industries for the manufacturing of both satellites.

According to We Are Tech, NIGCOMSAT aims to launch NigComSat-2A by the end of 2028, while NigComSat-2B is planned for 2029 or 2030. The cost of the program and its funding scheme had not yet been disclosed at the time of this announcement.

NIGCOMSAT, established in 2006 and affiliated with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, already operates NigComSat-1R. This geostationary telecommunications satellite was launched in December 2011.