Nigeria has taken another step towards strengthening its digital and communications infrastructure as Thales Alenia Space signs a contract to develop the country’s new telecommunications satellite, NigComSat-2A.

The agreement was signed on September 14, 2026, in Cannes, France, between Thales Alenia Space and Nigeria’s government-owned Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT Ltd).

Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between French technology company Thales and Italian aerospace company Leonardo. Thales owns 67 per cent of the company, while Leonardo owns the remaining 33 per cent.

NigComSat-2A will operate in geostationary orbit and is being designed to expand broadband and communications services across Africa. The satellite is expected to support television broadcasting, internet connectivity, voice calls, streaming and other digital services, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

The satellite will have a planned launch mass of nearly four tonnes and is expected to operate for more than 15 years. It will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform, with coverage extending from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa.

Nigeria’s Expanding Satellite Programme

The NigComSat-2A project forms part of Nigeria’s broader plan to upgrade its satellite communications capacity.

Nigeria currently operates NigComSat-1R, which was launched in December 2011 to provide communications and connectivity services across Africa.

The country began preparations for its next generation of communications satellites in 2024, with plans for NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B.

In August 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition and deployment of the two satellites as part of efforts to expand broadband coverage and strengthen communications services.

While Thales Alenia Space will develop NigComSat-2A, Israel Aerospace Industries has been selected to develop NigComSat-2B.

The two satellites are expected to support sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, businesses and government, while helping improve connectivity in communities where terrestrial infrastructure is limited.

NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the agreement with Thales Alenia Space as an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s communications capacity and expanding access to broadband and digital services.

As Nigeria continues to invest in its space and digital infrastructure, NigComSat-2A is expected to play a role in improving connectivity while supporting the country’s growing digital economy.This version is much tighter while keeping the important backstory. It should land around 3 minutes for an average reader, rather than the 4–5 minutes of the first version.