Space42 Brings Secure Thuraya 4 Satellite Connectivity To South Africa Critical Sectors
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa — Monday, 2 February 2026: 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 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.
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Formed in 2024 by the successful merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities. Space42 comprises two business units: Space Services and Smart Solutions. Space Services focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite services. Smart Solutions integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
For more information, visit: www.space42.ai; follow us on X: @space42ai
Legal Notice and Cautionary Statement regarding forward-looking information
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions about future events. These statements—identified by terms such as “expect,” “will,” or similar—are subject to risks and uncertainties and may prove inaccurate. They reflect information available as of the date hereof, and the companies disclaim any obligation to update them. No assurance is given that any forward-looking statement will occur, and undue reliance should not be placed on them. This announcement does not constitute a financial promotion or an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction.
Event details for media only are as follows:
Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 8:30 for 9am – 13:00
Venue: Leonardo Hotel Sandton, Johanesburg
Event overview
Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach, convenes government leaders, industry executives, and technology stakeholders in Johannesburg to demonstrate how satellite infrastructure supports South Africa’s digital transformation objectives.
Under the patronage and attendance of the President and Deputy President of South Africa, this half-day program introduces advanced capabilities that can serve South African and regional stakeholders, including Thuraya-4 satellite communications services and future connectivity initiatives that aim to extend coverage across the continent.
Space42’s technological capabilities align directly with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, the Digital Economy Masterplan, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy. These solutions can serve as strategic infrastructure that enhances national sovereignty, enables regional leadership, and delivers connectivity to citizens and enterprises across Southern Africa.
What Space42 brings to South Africa
Thuraya-4: Operational Satellite Connectivity
Thuraya-4 became operational in late 2025 as one of the largest mobile satellite services communication satellites. The satellite extends Thuraya coverage to South Africa and other African nations for the first time, now covering the entire African continent. This historic expansion provides L-band connectivity across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with particular focus on delivering services across Southern Africa.
Thuraya-4 introduces 16 new products. Space42 leadership will highlight how these products directly impact:
• Government and security services
• Emergency and disaster response
• Remote operations
• Maritime and aviation
• Cross-border connectivity
