Nigeria approves two satellites to expand internet access 🛰️🇳🇬

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Nigeria wants to strengthen its connectivity capabilities with two new communications satellites. On August 22, 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B — two high-throughput satellites designed to improve internet coverage in areas where deploying terrestrial infrastructure remains difficult or too costly.

Building out digital connectivity 🌐

With NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, Nigeria aims to boost its satellite capacity and expand broadband access nationwide. In practice, the two satellites are expected to reach more communities that still have limited access to terrestrial networks.

In remote or hard-to-reach regions, satellites can serve as an alternative to conventional infrastructure like fiber optics or mobile networks. The new capacity won’t be limited to internet access, either — it’s also expected to support telecommunications, broadcasting, and various government services.

Infrastructure for critical communications 📡

Beyond broadband, the two satellites are also meant to strengthen communications considered essential for the country. They’re expected to serve government needs and certain critical communications, particularly in the security and defense sectors.

In that sense, the project goes beyond internet coverage alone — it’s also about reinforcing Nigeria’s autonomy over its strategic communications and digital infrastructure.

NIGCOMSAT-1R nears retirement 🔄

This new generation of satellites arrives as NIGCOMSAT-1R, launched in 2011, approaches the end of its theoretical operational lifespan. The announced timeline places the launch of NIGCOMSAT-2A by the end of 2028, with NIGCOMSAT-2B reportedly set to follow in 2029 or 2030.

This schedule is meant to let Nigeria get ahead of the renewal of its national satellite infrastructure — and avoid any gap or drop in available capacity once NIGCOMSAT-1R reaches the end of its cycle.

Abuja diversifies its tech partners 🤝

To carry out the project, Nigeria plans to work with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Thales Alenia Space, which are expected to build the two satellites. The choice also marks a shift in Nigeria’s space strategy: the country had previously worked with China on its earlier communications satellites. Abuja is now looking to diversify its partners while gradually building up its own capabilities in the space sector.

Beyond building and launching the satellites, the project is also meant to support the development of domestic expertise. Nigeria wants to strengthen its know-how across several areas tied to space and digital infrastructure. In the end, the two satellites are expected to play a role in expanding broadband, reinforcing strategic communications, and laying the groundwork for the next generation of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Do you think satellites can genuinely help close Africa’s internet coverage gaps?