Nigeria Moves to Expand Digital Reach With New NigComSat-2A Satellite

Virgin Times News | Technology Nigeria is taking another step into the next phase of satellite communications with plans for the development of a new telecommunications satellite, NigComSat-2A. The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, has entered into an agreement with Thales Alenia Space for the development of the new geostationary satellite. The contract, signed in Cannes, France, on September 14, 2026, is expected to strengthen Nigeria's satellite communications capacity while expanding access to digital services across the continent. NigComSat-2A is being designed to provide television broadcasting, broadband internet, voice communication and streaming services. The satellite, with a launch mass of nearly four tonnes, is expected to cover West and Central Africa and extend into Southern Africa. Its planned operational life is more than 15 years. NIGCOMSAT said the project is particularly significant for communities where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure remains difficult to deploy. The company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the agreement as an important part of Nigeria's digital transformation efforts. The project is also expected to contribute to wider digital inclusion and support the growing demand for reliable connectivity across Africa. Virgin Times News — Bringing you the news that matters.