The UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach, has announced the commercial rollout of its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4, in South Africa.

The commercial availability of Thuraya, a subsidiary of Space42, marks the company’s first operational presence in the country and a major step in expanding secure, reliable satellite connectivity to one of Africa’s most dynamic digital markets.

The rollout strengthens communications resilience across South Africa’s most connectivity-dependent sectors, including energy, mining, maritime, civil government, and humanitarian operations, enabling operational continuity and safety in environments where terrestrial networks may be limited, disrupted, or unavailable.

The announcement comes at a time when South Africa’s demand for reliable connectivity continues to grow, focusing on solutions that extend digital access, support economic activity, and strengthen infrastructure resilience. Space42 said its local market development approach will be supported through engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national requirements and long-term service delivery priorities.

The launch week is expected to bring together senior stakeholders across government, business, and technology. Government leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, are expected to attend, alongside diplomatic representation from the United Arab Emirates and leaders across the regional connectivity ecosystem.

Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, said the South Africa rollout reflects the company’s strategy to become a global Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) leader, and deepen long-term partnerships across Africa through trusted technology and scalable infrastructure.

“We look forward to advancing resilient connectivity across South Africa, enabling essential continuity across productivity, safety, and service delivery of industry and government operations. Through Thuraya-4, Space42 is extending secure satellite capability that supports connection when and where it matters most”, he added.

Thuraya-4 is built on advanced L-band architecture and software-defined capabilities designed to allocate bandwidth dynamically, configure coverage intelligently, and integrate seamlessly with terrestrial networks, including in adverse weather conditions and remote or hard-to-reach regions.

Elmuiz Saad, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Space42, said the rollout demonstrates Space42’s dedication to supporting Africa’s connectivity ambitions, specifically the digital inclusion goals outlined in South Africa’s Vision 2030. The ongoing long-term investment and partnerships to follow, will strengthen operational capability across critical sectors.

“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,” said Saad.

Beyond connectivity expansion, Space42 continues to advance broader geospatial and digital infrastructure initiatives across Africa. Through the Map Africa initiative, Space42 and its partners - Microsoft and Esri, are working to develop high-quality base maps for the continent, supporting infrastructure planning, resource management, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and improved public services.

Map Africa spans 54 countries, across approximately 30 million square kilometres, serving a continent of an estimated 1.4 billion people. With input from regional and national institutions, it creates a foundational layer for stronger decision-making by governments, development organisations, and the private sector.