Thuraya, a subsidiary of Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has officially rolled out its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4, in South Africa.

The announcement marks more than just another satellite going live—it’s a defining moment in South Africa’s digital transformation. For the first time, Thuraya’s complete portfolio of services becomes operational in the country, signaling a significant milestone in extending reliable, resilient, and intelligent satellite connectivity across one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital economies.
This expansion isn’t about adding another coverage map pin. It’s about bringing connectivity to the edges—from remote mining zones and offshore platforms to isolated government and humanitarian operations.

Driving South Africa’s Vision 2030

South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 places digital inclusion at the heart of socioeconomic growth. Yet, despite the country’s advanced telecom sector, there remain persistent connectivity gaps across rural and industrial regions.
That’s where Thuraya-4 steps in.
The new satellite strengthens communication infrastructure vital for the nation’s energy, mining, maritime, and civil sectors, ensuring that operations continue smoothly even where terrestrial networks fail. It enhances productivity, safety, and continuity, particularly in areas where real-time communication can be the difference between efficiency and risk.
More importantly, the rollout aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive digital growth—bridging divides not just in connectivity, but in education, governance, and disaster resilience.

Thuraya-4: Designed for Mission-Critical Mobility

Unlike most satellite systems built primarily for fixed broadband or entertainment-grade access, Thuraya-4 is designed for mission-critical communications—where reliability, reach, and security are non-negotiable.
Its advanced L-band payload ensures strong signal performance even in severe weather or obstructed terrains—a crucial factor for sectors like mining and maritime operations. But what makes it truly forward-looking is its software-defined architecture, allowing it to dynamically allocate bandwidth and power, intelligently configure coverage zones, and seamlessly integrate with terrestrial and hybrid networks.
In simpler terms: it’s a satellite that doesn’t just broadcast—it thinks.
That means real-time adaptability, fewer service interruptions, and the ability to keep entire industries connected where traditional infrastructure simply can’t reach.

Collaboration Rooted in Local Relevance

Thuraya’s expansion into South Africa isn’t a top-down rollout from abroad. It comes through close collaboration with local regulators and industry partners, ensuring that the network aligns with national telecom frameworks and the country’s long-term digital ambitions.
This collaborative model is what differentiates modern satellite connectivity players from the past. Rather than imposing global solutions, companies like Thuraya are co-developing localized frameworks—from regulatory compliance to sector-specific applications.
It’s a move that mirrors how major connectivity providers like Eutelsat OneWeb and Starlink have had to localize their strategies to gain traction across African markets.

Space42’s Bigger Bet on Africa

Thuraya’s rollout is part of Space42’s broader Africa strategy — a multi-layered approach to expanding both digital access and geospatial intelligence.

Here’s how the ecosystem fits together:

Digital Connectivity: In Zimbabwe, Space42 has already connected over 1,000 schools and 500 clinics, with plans to reach 2,500 more, benefiting nearly 1.9 million students.
High-Altitude Innovation: In Rwanda, its subsidiary Mira Aerospace conducted the world’s first 5G video call from a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)—a breakthrough that could redefine how broadband reaches remote regions.
Broadband Backbone: Through YahClick, Space42 also provides reliable broadband coverage in South Africa, complementing terrestrial and mobile networks.
Geospatial Intelligence: Its Map Africa Initiative, a collaboration with Microsoft and Esri, is building the continent’s most comprehensive AI-enhanced base map using satellite imagery. This effort supports infrastructure planning, agriculture, resource management, and climate resilience.

This is not a one-off launch; it’s part of a cohesive, long-term strategy to make Africa’s digital backbone both connected and intelligent.

What Industry Leaders Are Saying

Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, frames it perfectly:

“Thuraya has delivered mobile satellite services across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia for over 20 years. South Africa’s focus on digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience makes it an important addition to that journey. As a UAE-based company, we see strong alignment in how both countries view connectivity as a driver of economic resilience. Through Thuraya-4, we are proud to support that shared ambition.”
This emphasis on resilience and cooperation highlights a larger shift in how satellite communications are being positioned — not as alternatives to terrestrial networks, but as foundational partners in achieving universal digital access.

Where Thuraya Fits in the Competitive Landscape

The satellite connectivity market in Africa is getting crowded — and that’s a good thing. Competition fuels innovation.
Companies like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Inmarsat have made bold moves across the continent, but each comes with a different focus.
Starlink is consumer-first, pushing low-latency internet directly to households and small businesses.
Eutelsat OneWeb targets governments and enterprise networks with global broadband constellations.
Inmarsat dominates aviation, maritime, and defense-grade connectivity.
Thuraya-4 positions itself smartly in between, focusing on mobility-driven, enterprise-grade communications that serve governments, industries, and humanitarian organizations where other systems can’t maintain coverage or reliability.
It’s a niche that blends durability with adaptability, and one that’s becoming increasingly valuable as climate change, energy transition, and security operations demand uninterrupted connectivity in unpredictable conditions.
According to ITU data, only 36% of Africa’s rural population has access to mobile broadband today. Hybrid solutions that combine terrestrial, satellite, and airborne platforms are expected to drive the next wave of connectivity growth—and Thuraya is placing itself squarely in that evolution.

Conclusion: Satellites Are Africa’s Smartest Shortcut to Inclusion

Thuraya-4’s debut in South Africa is more than a commercial rollout—it’s a statement about the future of African connectivity. While fiber and 5G expansion remain crucial, satellites like Thuraya-4 are the fastest, most flexible bridges to connect underserved areas and power critical industries.
As Africa’s digital transformation accelerates, players that can offer reliable, hybrid, and resilient connectivity—not just raw speed—will define the next decade.
Thuraya’s approach, backed by Space42’s ecosystem and Africa-focused partnerships, positions it alongside the continent’s most strategic enablers of progress. And if Vision 2030 is to be realized, it’s companies like these—bridging innovation with inclusion—that will quietly make it happen.