Leading European space company Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Moroccan operator Panafsat to develop a new satellite communications system. This initiative, announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, aims to provide very-high-throughput services (VHTS) to 26 African countries—23 of which are French-speaking—impacting approximately 550 million people across an area of 12 million square kilometers.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Moroccan Minister of the Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, and French Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industry, Antoine Armand. The agreement will enable Thales Alenia Space to construct a high-performance, flexible satellite designed to deliver high-speed internet and support the digital transformation of Africa’s connectivity landscape. This development will benefit governments, businesses, and individuals while addressing the digital divide in rural and underserved regions.
Ahmed Toumi, Chairman and CEO of Panafsat, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “This project is the next key stage in the digital transformation process and the development of a digital economy in Morocco, and across Africa as a whole. It will change the lives of millions of people eager to access the Internet and all the essential services they need. We are delighted to collaborate with a partner of Thales Alenia Space’s expertise and capabilities.”
The new satellite system will contribute to various development initiatives, including the Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) and Morocco’s national digital strategy, Digital Morocco 2030. It will also support Morocco as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030, ensuring robust connectivity across the region. Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey remarked, “It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to be chosen by Panafsat to deliver this new geostationary telecommunications satellite. The project will significantly contribute to bridging the digital divide in rural areas and boosting economic growth, while also strengthening digital sovereignty across the African continent.”
Panafsat, recognized for its strategic financial positioning through its Casablanca Finance City (CFC) status, was founded by Ahmed Toumi, who has a distinguished history with the ITU Radio Regulation Board and ITSO-Intelsat. The new satellite will be Morocco’s first geostationary satellite, aligning with Panafsat’s mission to promote digital transformation across the continent.
Derrey highlighted the collaborative ambition behind the initiative, stating, “We are honored to embark on this long-term partnership with Africa’s foremost private operator, helping it to expand its capabilities and develop space services for the benefit of the entire continent.”
