Panafsat, a Moroccan firm, and Thales Alenia Space signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday for the development of a Moroccan satellite communications system.

The system will provide very-high-throughput services (VHTS) to 26 African countries, 23 of which are in French-speaking Africa, serving a combined population of over 550 million people across an area of 12 million square kilometers.

The MoU was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Morocco, in the presence of Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Moroccan minister of economy and finance, and Antoine Armand, French minister of economy, finance, and industry.

Thales Alenia Space will develop a very high-performance flexible satellite as part of the MoU. Once in orbit, the satellite will provide high-speed internet, accelerating Africa's digital transformation, according to the companies.

This, the parties said, will be accomplished by providing the connectivity needed for high-value-added services that benefit governments, businesses, and individuals. 

It will also assist in reducing the digital divide in rural and isolated communities, they added.

Panafsat's Chairman and CEO, Ahmed Toumi, commented: “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. We look forward to working together on this major project, which will bring significant benefits across the continent.”