In a groundbreaking development catalyzed by French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, Moroccan telecom operator Panafsat and aerospace giant Thales Alenia Space sealed a strategic agreement on October 29. The initiative? To deliver high-speed satellite internet across 26 African nations, targeting 550 million people over a massive 12 million square kilometers, primarily in francophone regions.
Thales Alenia Space, a powerhouse partnership between France’s Thales and Italy’s Leonardo, is set to design and manufacture the satellite that will beam internet services across the African continent. Though financial details remain under wraps, the scope and ambition of the project speak volumes. This endeavor is seen as a major step forward in the drive to close Africa’s digital divide and expand economic growth in the region. According to Ahmed Toumi, CEO of Panafsat, this project isn’t just about connectivity—it’s a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation, creating unprecedented opportunities for remote areas and underserved communities.
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed enthusiasm for this long-term partnership with Panafsat, Africa’s leading private telecom operator, anticipating a robust and productive collaboration that will address the continent’s pressing connectivity needs.
Beyond the satellite internet venture, Macron’s state visit yielded a cascade of investment agreements, amounting to a staggering 10 billion euros. The contracts, focusing on both digital infrastructure and energy projects, reflect France’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in Africa. This wave of investments marks a turning point, as European-African partnerships increasingly emphasize technology and energy as foundations for future development on the continent.
