This milestone marks Thuraya’s full operational presence in the country, representing a significant step toward delivering reliable satellite connectivity across one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets.
The launch enhances national coverage and bolsters critical communications for key sectors such as energy, mining, maritime, government, and humanitarian operations. Supporting South Africa’s Vision 2030 digital inclusion goals, Thuraya-4 aims to improve operational efficiency and safety, aligning with the country’s expanding investments in space and telecommunications infrastructure.
“Thuraya has provided mobile satellite services across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia for over two decades, supporting customers where coverage and continuity are vital. South Africa’s focus on digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience makes it an important addition to our journey. As a UAE-based company, we see strong shared ambitions with both countries in leveraging connectivity for economic resilience. Through Thuraya-4, we are proud to support this vision,” said Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42.
Thuraya-4 is set to reinforce South Africa’s most connectivity-dependent industries, including energy, mining, maritime, civil government, and humanitarian sectors. The satellite extends communications to remote and high-risk areas, improving productivity, safety, and operational continuity. Its deployment was carried out in close collaboration with South African regulators and industry partners, ensuring alignment with national connectivity objectives and digital growth strategies.
Designed for mission-critical applications, Thuraya-4 offers mobility and reliability beyond traditional satellite communications. Unlike conventional networks built for fixed, high-bandwidth needs, Thuraya-4’s advanced L-band payload and software-defined architecture dynamically allocate bandwidth and power, intelligently configure coverage, and seamlessly interoperate with terrestrial networks — even in adverse weather or isolated regions. This ensures uninterrupted communication for sectors that depend on constant connectivity.
Thuraya’s expansion into South Africa underscores Space42’s broader commitment to enhancing digital access and geospatial infrastructure across Africa. The company’s efforts include connecting over 1,000 schools and 500 clinics in Zimbabwe, with plans to reach an additional 2,500 schools serving 1.9 million students. In Rwanda, Mira Aerospace, a subsidiary of Space42, conducted the world’s first 5G video call from a fixed-wing High-Altitude Platform Station, demonstrating airborne systems’ potential to extend broadband coverage where satellites and terrestrial networks fall short. In South Africa, Space42’s Yahclick provides reliable broadband access, further supporting regional connectivity.
Additionally, through initiatives like Map Africa, Space42, Microsoft, and Esri are developing Africa’s most comprehensive base map using satellite imagery and AI analytics, facilitating infrastructure planning, resource management, and climate-resilient development in partnership with regional and national institutions.
