African Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Market Report, 2024 Edition
Space in Africa has released its 2024 African Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Market Report, providing a detailed analysis of the evolving satellite manufacturing and launch sector across the continent. The report examines historical data, current market demands, revenue implications, and supply chain considerations, focusing on key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the industry.
The increasing demand for satellite technology in Africa reflects a growing recognition of space capabilities as a critical tool for socio-economic development. African governments prioritise satellite technology for national security, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and infrastructure development. This is evidenced by the continent’s space budget, which has doubled between 2018 and 2024, supported by funding from the African Space Agency and multiple international partnerships. In addition, there is a rising commercial demand for satellite broadband, broadcasting, and Earth Observation (EO) services, driven by the need for enhanced connectivity and high-resolution imagery. Local manufacturing initiatives are reducing reliance on foreign technology, while educational and research programmes are fostering innovation and building domestic capacity. International collaborations and investment are further bolstering Africa’s satellite capabilities.
Revenue from African satellite manufacturing is primarily driven by the demand for communication and EO satellites, which are essential for providing broadband services, broadcasting, and environmental monitoring. The trend highlights the continent’s strategic focus on strengthening its technological capabilities and infrastructure. Government projects remain a significant driver of this sector, with 77% of satellites launched between 2018 and August 2024 being government-funded. Investment in satellite manufacturing by African governments is projected to increase, with an expected rise from USD 1.9 billion between 2018 and August 2024 to USD 2.6 billion between September 2024 and 2030. By 2030, 72 satellites are expected to be launched by 20 African countries, six of which will be undertaking their first-ever satellite missions. Notably, contractors for approximately 52% of future satellites, valued at USD 866.6 million, are yet to be determined.
The African satellite launch sector relies heavily on foreign providers due to the absence of operational launch sites on the continent. Feasibility studies are underway for potential launch sites in Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia, indicating future shifts in the sector. Between 2018 and August 2024, 30 satellites were launched from various global locations, with significant contributions from the USA, China, France, Japan, and Russia. The countries where many future African satellite launches will occur remain undetermined, reflecting ongoing external dependencies and emerging opportunities for growth in Africa’s space sector. Local expertise in rocket development is emerging through university programmes in Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, indicating progress toward developing indigenous launch capabilities.
This report provides essential insights for stakeholders, including governments, industry players, and investors, as they navigate Africa’s evolving satellite manufacturing and launch landscape. Learn more about the report here.
About Space in Africa
Space in Africa (SiA) is a boutique consulting and media firm that provides data-driven insights for businesses and decision-makers to succeed in the African space industry. SiA offers strategic consulting, market research and analytics, and media and PR services with an in-depth focus on the African space industry. Our domain focus enables us to build relationships, offer our clients market-inspired expertise, and support them in succeeding in Africa.
We manage the largest platforms, sharing industry activities and connecting stakeholders in the African space ecosystem. These platforms include news, analysis, opportunities, the African Space Data Hub and the NewSpace Africa Conference – the largest gathering of decision-makers and foreign partners interested in the African space economy. We have built upon these platforms to create tailored strategies and market research for companies and institutions interested in the African space industry. We offer services to clients from across all continents, and our resources are continually used in over 120 countries.