- NIGCOMSAT MD Jane Egerton-Idehen called for deeper ties with France to enhance Nigeria’s satellite capabilities and space technology
- Talks focused on potential collaborations with space leaders Eutelsat and Thales to accelerate Nigeria’s space ambitions
- NIGCOMSAT further highlighted how satellite technology can transform industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare, boosting economic growth
Nigeria’s Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), the country's satellite operator, is seeking enhanced collaboration with France to advance its space technology capabilities, Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen announced on Thursday, December 12.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Egerton-Idehen highlighted the recent visit of French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, as a pivotal step in fostering deeper bilateral cooperation in satellite technology.
Though the visit was described as a formal courtesy, it was viewed as a significant symbol of the growing opportunities for collaboration between the two nations in the field of space exploration and technology.
"Although this visit was primarily a formal courtesy, it symbolised something much larger: the increasing opportunities for Nigeria and France to collaborate in the field of space technology," Egerton-Idehen remarked.
The discussions during the ambassador’s visit focused on potential partnerships with major French space firms such as Eutelsat Group and Thales. These companies, renowned for their leadership in space innovation, were identified as key players in the expansion of Nigeria’s satellite ambitions.
"Sharing expertise allows us to learn from global leaders, which in turn accelerates innovation," Egerton-Idehen added, emphasising the importance of these collaborations in advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities.
Egerton-Idehen further highlighted the immense economic potential of satellite technology, explaining that it could significantly impact industries such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.
"Advancements in space technology improve connectivity and sustainability for everyone," she noted.
At NIGCOMSAT, the vision is to establish an innovative space economy that benefits Nigerian citizens and raises the country's global standing.
"Collaborations like these bring us closer to realising that vision," Egerton-Idehen declared.
The Managing Director also referenced a report by Morgan Stanley, which predicts that the global space economy will grow to $1.1 trillion by 2040, up from $350 billion today.
"This growth is not happening because of isolated efforts.
"Rather, it is happening because countries and organisations are working together,” she added.
Nigerian government announces N100M AI fund for startups
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Google, announced the launch of a groundbreaking N100 million AI Fund, aimed at propelling innovation within the country’s startup ecosystem.
This initiative, spearheaded by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), is set to support Nigerian startups that are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop transformative solutions across various industries.