The country aims to leverage international cooperation to advance its space technology program. In June, it signed an agreement with YahClick, a subsidiary of the Emirati company Yahsat, which specializes in providing satellite internet connectivity solutions.

Nigeria is seeking partnerships with France in the field of space technology, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen (photo, center), said on Thursday.

During a meeting with French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier (photo, left) on Wednesday, Egerton-Idehen expressed interest in leveraging French expertise to advance Nigeria's satellite goals.

Nigeria plans to acquire two new telecommunications satellites by 2025 to replace NigComSat-1R, which is expected to reach the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026. In October, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of four new Earth observation satellites to enhance the country's capabilities.

“[...] Sharing expertise allows us to learn from global leaders, which in turn accelerates innovation.It also matters because it boosts the economy. Satellite technology has the massive potential to transform industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare. And finally, it matters because of its global impact. Advancements in space technology improve connectivity and sustainability for everyone,” read a statement on Egerton-Idehen’s  Facebook page.  

Nigeria has shown particular interest in leading space companies such as Eutelsat and Thales. Thales, through its subsidiary Thales Alenia Space, has collaborated with several African countries, including Egypt, for which it built the NileSat-301 satellite launched in June 2022. In October, Thales signed a memorandum of understanding with Moroccan company Panafsat to develop a satellite communications system. The company has also partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Monacosat on satellite internet projects.

While France possesses the expertise to assist Nigeria, the meeting between Egerton-Idehen and Fonbaustier was primarily described as a "formal courtesy." No official agreements have been signed.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji