Space42 announces commercial rollout of Thuraya-4 in South Africa at AfricaCom 2025

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Thuraya, the subsidiary of Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), 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 expansion marks Thuraya’s complete portfolio operational presence in the country and a major milestone in bringing reliable satellite connectivity to one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets.

The announcement was made during AfricaCom 2025, where Space42 hosted Fatima Al Suwaidi, Counsellor at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in South Africa, and her delegation at the company’s exhibition stand. Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, shared insights into the company’s latest technological advancements and emphasized the significance of this milestone in extending reliable satellite connectivity to one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets.

The introduction of Thuraya-4 in South Africa aims to enhance connectivity across underserved and remote areas, supporting the nation’s efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable digital growth.The rollout expands national coverage and strengthens critical communications across essential sectors. 

Aligned with the UAE National Space Strategy 2030, Space42’s expansion into South Africa also supports the country’s Vision 2030 objectives by strengthening critical communications infrastructure and enabling greater access to digital services.

The rollout represents a key step in Space42’s broader mission to bridge communication gaps across Africa through advanced satellite technologies and strategic international partnerships. Thuraya-4 strengthens South Africa’s most connectivity-dependent industries, including energy, mining, maritime, civil government, and humanitarian operations. Aligned with South Africa’s digital inclusion priorities, it extends communications networks to remote and high-risk areas, and enhances productivity, operational efficiency, safety, and continuity in sectors vital to the country’s economy.

Thuraya enters the market in close collaboration with South African regulators and industry partners, ensuring alignment with local connectivity goals and shared digital growth ambitions.

Thuraya-4 introduces mobility and reliability beyond the limits of conventional satcom systems. While most networks are built for fixed, high-bandwidth access, Thuraya-4 is designed for mission-critical communications where reach, security, and resilience are essential.

Its advanced L-band payload and software-defined architecture allocates bandwidth and power dynamically, configures coverage intelligently, and supports seamless interoperability with terrestrial networks even in adverse weather or isolated regions. This combination of mobility and endurance ensures uninterrupted service for sectors that rely on continuous communication.