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 see Thales Alenia Space building a high-performance, flexible satellite designed to deliver high-speed internet and support the digital transformation of Africa’s connectivity landscape. This will benefit governments, businesses, and individuals, while addressing the digital divide in rural and underserved regions.
Ahmed Toumi, Chairman and CEO of Panafsat, emphasised the project’s significance: “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 benefit from Internet access and all the essential services they need. We are delighted to be able to draw on the outstanding expertise and capabilities of a partner like Thales Alenia Space.”
The new satellite system will contribute to various development programmes, including the Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) and Morocco’s national digital strategy, Digital Morocco 2030. It will also play a supportive role as Morocco 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 make a significant contribution to bridging the digital divide in rural areas, as well as boosting economic growth and strengthening digital sovereignty across the African continent.”
Panafsat, recognised for its strategic financial positioning through its Casablanca Finance City (CFC) status, was established by Ahmed Toumi, who has a distinguished history within 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: “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.”
Source: Thales Alenia Space.
