Nigeria’s government-owned satellite operator NIGCOMSAT has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space to develop NigComSat-2A, a communications satellite intended to extend broadband and broadcasting services across parts of Africa. The manufacturer announced the agreement on 14 September 2026.
The spacecraft is planned for geostationary orbit, with coverage extending from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa. Its proposed services include television broadcasting, internet access in remote areas, voice calls and streaming. These are intended capabilities, not services already delivered by the new satellite.
A satellite for gaps in ground networks
Thales Alenia Space says NigComSat-2A will use its Spacebus B2 platform, have a launch mass of nearly four tonnes and an expected operational life in orbit exceeding 15 years. The company presents the project as a way to strengthen communications infrastructure where terrestrial networks remain limited or difficult to deploy.
The announcement identifies households, businesses, public institutions and industries among the intended beneficiaries. NIGCOMSAT managing director and chief executive Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the project would strengthen Nigeria’s satellite communications capacity and expand access to broadband and digital services, particularly in underserved communities. Those benefits remain the operator’s expectations for the project.
For context on the challenge beyond network coverage, read Afrivanta’s explanation of Africa’s internet-use gap.
A contract, not a launch
Trade publication Via Satellite reported the agreement on 14 September, corroborating the planned coverage, platform, mass and service life. It said financial details were not disclosed. The manufacturer’s announcement does not provide a launch date or a timetable for customers to begin receiving services.
NIGCOMSAT is headquartered in Abuja and already operates NigComSat-1R, launched in December 2011, according to the manufacturer’s background information. The new agreement concerns additional satellite capacity rather than the creation of Nigeria’s first satellite operator.
