A Moroccan company, Panafsat, has partnered with Thales Alenia Space—a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%)—to sign a memorandum of understanding for the development of a Moroccan satellite communications system.
According to a statement from the companies, the new system aims to provide very high-throughput services to 26 African countries, 23 of which are in French-speaking Africa. This coverage will reach a combined population of approximately 550 million people across an area of 12 million square kilometers.
The MoU was signed during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, with the attendance of key officials, including Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Moroccan Minister of the Economy and Finance, and Antoine Armand, French Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industry.
Under the agreement, Thales Alenia Space will construct a highly flexible and high-performance satellite. Once in orbit, this satellite will deliver high-speed internet, significantly enhancing Africa’s digital landscape.
The initiative aims to provide the necessary connectivity for high-value-added services, benefiting governments, businesses, and individuals while helping to bridge the digital divide in rural and isolated communities.
