Nigeria, Kenya partner on satellite tech initiatives

By Samuel Olomu, Nigeria correspondent
Johannesburg, 29 Sept 2025
Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Brigadier (Rtd.) Hillary Kipkosgey and NIGCOMSAT MD, Jane Egerton-Idehen (Pics: NOGCOMSAT’s LinkedIn.)
Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Brigadier (Rtd.) Hillary Kipkosgey and NIGCOMSAT MD, Jane Egerton-Idehen (Pics: NOGCOMSAT’s LinkedIn.)

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) and the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) have formed a cooperation to set a new course for Africa's digital and security environment through leveraging satellite technology for broadband expansion.

Hillary Kipkosgey, director general of the KSA, recently visited NIGCOMSAT's Ground Control station in Abuja to formalise the relationship.

The discussions revolved around Kenya's desire to leverage NIGCOMSAT's massive broadband capacity to expedite digital access in sectors such as education, defence, healthcare, fintech, and governance.

NIGCOMSAT's managing director, Jane Egerton-Idehen, commended the collaboration as a critical step towards unlocking Africa's digital potential.

“This collaboration is more than connectivity; it is about building resilient systems that safeguard sovereignty, enhance security, and ensure Africa takes its rightful place in the global space industry,” Egerton-Idehen said.

She emphasised Nigeria's early commitment in space technology as a foundation for continental progress, noting that collaboration with Kenya is consistent with NIGCOMSAT's mission of promoting socioeconomic development through satellite solutions.

NIGCOMSAT is already forecasting N8 billion ($5.4 million) in revenue over the next three years. With Kenya joining forces, the business sees an opportunity to expand its broadband coverage while also boosting Africa's collective space ecosystem.

While, Kipkosgey emphasised Kenya's preparedness to benefit from Nigeria's knowledge, emphasising the importance of consistent, high-level engagements for Africa's collective space objectives.

“We are here to build a closer working relationship with our Nigerian counterparts. To achieve meaningful progress, we need deeper engagement and more frequent dialogue,” he said.

The partnership is expected to translate into joint projects that expand broadband coverage in Kenya, strengthen regional security collaboration, and promote policy alignment in satellite governance. 

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