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Moroccan company Panafsat and Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), have announced signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a Moroccan satellite communications system. The system will deliver very-high-throughput services (VHTS) to 26 African countries, 23 of them in French-speaking Africa. It will cover a combined population of around 550 million people over an area spanning 12 million square kilometers.
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The MoU between Panafsat and Thales Alenia Space was signed as part of the state visit of President Emmanuel Macron to the Kingdom of Morocco. It was signed in the presence of two senior ministers. Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Moroccan Minister of the Economy and Finance and Antoine Armand, French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry.
Satellite will deliver high-speed internet
Under the MoU, Thales Alenia Space will build a very-high-performance flexible satellite. Once in orbit, the satellite will deliver high-speed internet to accelerate the transformation of Africa’s digital landscape. This will be achieved by providing the connectivity required for high value-added service. These are for the benefit of governments, businesses and individuals. It will also help bridge the digital divide in rural and isolated communities.
“This project is the next key stage in the digital transformation process. It covers the development of a digital economy in Morocco, and across Africa as a whole, ” said Chairman and CEO of Panafsat Ahmed Toumi.
“It will change the lives of millions of people. Communities eager to benefit from Internet access and all the essential services they need. We are delighted to be able to draw on the outstanding expertise and capabilities of a partner like Thales Alenia Space. We look forward to working together on this major project, which will bring significant benefits across the continent.”
Project will bridge digital divide in rural Africa
“Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey added: “It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to be chosen by Panafsat to deliver this new geostationary telecommunications satellite. The project will make a significant contribution to bridging the digital divide in rural area. It will also be boosting economic growth and strengthening digital sovereignty across the African continent. We are honored to embark on this long-term partnership with Africa’s foremost private operator. We are helping it to expand its capabilities and develop space services for the benefit of the entire continent.”
The MoU is part of a roadmap developed by France and Morocco. It encompasses digitalization initiatives such as Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) and Digital Morocco 2030. Also included is the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2030 in Morocco.
