Angola Signs EUR 225 Million Agreement for ANGEO-1 Satellite

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Representatives from the Angolan and French Government signing the agreement.

The Angolan Ministry of Finance has signed a financing agreement with France for the construction of ANGEO-1, the country’s first high-resolution Earth observation satellite system. The agreement, culminating from six years of bilateral cooperation between Angola and France, was finalised during the Angolan President’s diplomatic visit to France. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Angola’s technological advancement and space capabilities.

In the agreement, the Angolan Government has secured dual financing agreements with Société Générale bank, totalling EUR 225.26 million (USD 231.46 million), to fund the satellite project. The funding agreement consists of two distinct loans: one for EUR 35.27 million and another for EUR 189.99 million. These funds will support all aspects of the satellite initiative, encompassing its construction, launch operations, and orbital placement.

Developed in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, this project marks a significant leap forward in Angola’s space ambitions. When the satellite system is launched and becomes operational, ANGEO-1 will enhance Angola’s space capabilities and play a pivotal role in supporting socio-economic development across the continent. When in orbit, ANGEO-1 will utilise Earth Observation technology is to address critical challenges, including agricultural productivity, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.  

Representatives from the Angolan and French governments and Airbus Space and Defence company.

A core component of this initiative is knowledge transfer and capacity building. Through hands-on training programmes and academic collaborations, the partnership will equip the next generation of Angolan space specialists with the skills to lead the country’s growing space industry. This reflects Angola’s commitment to fostering local expertise and establishing a robust foundation for sustainable growth in the space sector.  

The agreement also celebrates over a decade of successful collaboration between Airbus and Angola, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in advancing African space initiatives. Additionally, it embodies a vision for innovation and resilience, showing how space technology can drive progress for Angola and Africa.