By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg — UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) has announced the commercial rollout of its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4, in South Africa, marking a major milestone in the expansion of secure, reliable satellite connectivity across the African continent.
The launch represents Space42’s first operational presence in South Africa and signals a strategic push into one of Africa’s most dynamic and connectivity-dependent digital markets. Thuraya, a subsidiary of Space42, will now provide advanced satellite communications services designed to support critical sectors where terrestrial networks are often limited, disrupted, or unavailable.
These sectors include energy, mining, maritime, civil government, emergency services, and humanitarian operations, where uninterrupted connectivity is essential for operational continuity, safety, and service delivery.
Strengthening Connectivity Resilience
The South Africa rollout comes amid growing national demand for resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic growth, digital inclusion, and infrastructure stability. Space42 said it will pursue a long-term local market development strategy, working closely with government and industry stakeholders to align its services with national priorities and regulatory frameworks.
The official launch week is expected to bring together senior leaders from government, business, and the technology sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend, alongside senior government officials, UAE diplomatic representatives, and regional connectivity leaders.
Strategic Vision for Africa
Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, said the South Africa entry reflects the company’s ambition to become a global leader in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) while building enduring partnerships across Africa.
“We look forward to advancing resilient connectivity across South Africa, enabling essential continuity across productivity, safety, and service delivery for industry and government operations. Through Thuraya-4, Space42 is extending secure satellite capability that supports connection when and where it matters most,” Al Ali said.
Elmuiz Saad, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Space42, added that the rollout aligns closely with South Africa’s Vision 2030 digital inclusion goals and demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the continent.
“This rollout is more than a market entry. It is part of Space42’s sustained commitment to enabling industries and strengthening resilience across Africa through secure satellite communications and integrated space-based solutions,” Saad said.
Advanced Satellite Capabilities
Thuraya-4 is built on advanced L-band architecture and features software-defined capabilities that allow dynamic bandwidth allocation, intelligent coverage configuration, and seamless integration with terrestrial networks. The satellite is designed to perform reliably in adverse weather conditions and remote or hard-to-reach regions, making it particularly suited to Africa’s diverse operating environments.
Operational since late 2025, Thuraya-4 is one of the largest mobile satellite services communications satellites ever deployed. It extends Thuraya’s coverage to South Africa and the entire African continent for the first time, delivering L-band connectivity across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with a strong focus on Southern Africa.
The satellite introduces 16 new products, with applications across:
- Government and security services
- Emergency and disaster response
- Remote and industrial operations
- Maritime and aviation
- Cross-border and regional connectivity
Beyond Connectivity: Map Africa Initiative
In parallel with satellite communications, Space42 is advancing broader geospatial and digital infrastructure initiatives across Africa. Through the Map Africa initiative, Space42 is partnering with Microsoft and Esri to develop high-quality base maps covering all 54 African countries.
Spanning approximately 30 million square kilometres and serving a population of around 1.4 billion people, Map Africa supports infrastructure planning, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, resource management, and improved public service delivery. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with regional and national institutions to strengthen data-driven decision-making across government and the private sector.
Aligning with South Africa’s Development Agenda
Space42’s capabilities align directly with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, Digital Economy Masterplan, and Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy. The company positions its satellite and geospatial solutions as strategic infrastructure that can enhance national sovereignty, strengthen regional leadership, and extend connectivity to citizens and enterprises across Southern Africa.
Media Event Details
Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 08:30 for 09:00 – 13:00
Venue: Leonardo Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg
The half-day event will showcase how satellite infrastructure can support South Africa’s digital transformation objectives and introduce Space42’s current and future connectivity initiatives for the region.
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company integrating satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver advanced space-based solutions. Formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42 serves governments, enterprises, and communities worldwide through its two business units: Space Services and Smart Solutions. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
For more information, visit www.space42.ai or follow @space42ai on X.
