South Africa Partners with UAE to Launch National Satellite Programme

South Africa is strengthening its space technology ambitions through a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed at launching a dedicated national satellite.

The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries. The collaboration is expected to advance South Africa’s capabilities in space innovation, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Mondli Gungubele, confirmed the move in an interview with the Emirates News Agency, highlighting the UAE’s advanced satellite technology as a key asset in the collaboration.

“This partnership is a major step forward in building South Africa’s digital future. Working with the UAE allows us to fast-track innovation while contributing to Africa’s presence in space,” Gungubele noted.

A Strategic Leap for South Africa’s Digital and Space Goals

The upcoming satellite will play a crucial role in expanding broadband connectivity, enhancing national security infrastructure, and supporting disaster management systems. It also aligns with broader efforts to build a more digitally inclusive economy in South Africa and across the continent.

UAE’s Growing Influence in Global Space Technology

The UAE has become a global leader in satellite deployment and space exploration, with notable missions such as the Hope Mars Mission and advanced Earth observation programmes. For South Africa, tapping into this expertise provides a shortcut to building a robust national space programme without starting from scratch.

As digital transformation becomes increasingly reliant on satellite-backed connectivity and data, partnerships like this will be central to how emerging economies leapfrog into the future.