DSE News Network
This week on the DSE News Network – the big space technology news is that United Arab Emirates AI-powered SpaceTech company – Space 42 – has launched its next-generation satellite services – Thuraya-4, in South Africa.
The launch at the Leonardo Hotel offered the most advanced yet plans to revolutionise connectivity for the most remote corners of South Africa, despite some media companies reporting that Space 42 is moving forward without final approval from the industry regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The launch this week revealed in detail a sophisticated space-age roll-out plan for the introduction of new telecoms products, including a satellite smartphone, maritime solutions and tactical networks. The service is designed to provide secure, satellite connectivity where terrestrial networks are often unreliable.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, delivered the keynote address at the launch.
“South Africa’s Digital Economy Masterplan and Digital Transformation Roadmap are built on this logic. They recognise that infrastructure, platforms and governance must work together to create outcomes that benefit people and that positively impacts their daily lives.
“The work that will be showcased today by Space42, including its geospatial intelligence platform and the Foresight Constellation, reflects the kind of capability that can strengthen national planning and regional cooperation,” the minister said.
Space42 is an AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach with Thuraya-4 the flagship
Space42 is an AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach and Thuraya-4 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 this week brought together senior stakeholders across government, business, and technology. Government leaders, and 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 are 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
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
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 direct product impact
Government and security services
Emergency and disaster response
Remote operations
Maritime and aviation
Cross-border connectivity
