(Ecofin Agency) - Since 2019, Spacecom has been ramping up initiatives to gain a foothold in the African satellite-based telecom services market. The company acquired a 9.3% stake in Canadian firm NuRAN Wireless in June 2021 for $3.2 million.

Israeli satellite operator Spacecom will leverage the capabilities of Azerbaijan's Azercosmos' Azerspace satellites to expand the geographic coverage of its services, particularly in Africa. The two parties signed a cooperation agreement for the joint implementation of long-term projects on Friday, March 17.

“We see the use of telecommunication and teleport services of Azercosmos as an important step for the development of our joint space activities. Azerspace satellites are among the most dynamic satellites in the African market and they will provide quality services in digital broadcasting,” said Yon Rosenberg, Spacecom's Chief Revenue Officer.

The new partnership is part of Spacecom's African expansion strategy that began in 2019. The company's ambition is to become one of the leading providers of satellite communication solutions and services on the continent in a context marked by the growing demand for broadband connectivity and digital transformation. It is therefore multiplying strategic initiatives and partnerships to this end.

Thanks to Azercosmos' satellites, Spacecom will extend its services to millions more people, including those living in rural and remote areas whose access is difficult for terrestrial telecom operators' networks. According to the Global System Operators' Association (GSMA), only 515 million people were subscribed to telecom services in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2021. This figure represents 46% of the region's population.

Isaac K. Kassouwi