Africa’s push to strengthen satellite communications and geospatial sovereignty gained momentum this week with parallel developments in Algeria and Nigeria.
Algeria confirmed the successful launch of Alsat-3B on 31 January from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, just two weeks after placing Alsat-3A into orbit. Developed through cooperation between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Alsat-3B joins a growing national constellation that includes Alsat-1B, 1N, 2A, 2B and 3A.
The satellite provides high-resolution imagery for national mapping, digital elevation modelling, natural resource management, disaster prevention and environmental monitoring. Officials emphasise that the programme is designed to reduce reliance on foreign geospatial data and strengthen Algeria’s autonomy in geointelligence as part of its National Space Programme.
Beyond national capability, the Alsat programme is also intended to build domestic expertise and support regional cooperation, enabling African nations to better utilise geospatial intelligence for food security, resource planning and territorial management.
Meanwhile, Nigeria announced plans to procure two new telecommunications satellites to modernise its digital infrastructure. The satellites will eventually replace NigComSat-1R, the country’s only communications satellite, launched in 2011 and now operating on an extended lifespan through 2028.
