South Africa Launches State-Backed Satellite Communications Company to Expand National Connectivity
South Africa has launched a new state-backed satellite communications company, BrainSAT Satellite Services, to strengthen national connectivity and expand access to resilient communications infrastructure. The company has been established through a partnership between the South African government and UAE-based Space42, serving as Space42’s local partner to provide satellite broadband and mobile satellite communication services in South Africa. The initiative forms part of a broader cooperation framework signed between the two countries in 2024, which identified satellite communications as a strategic area for collaboration.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched BrainSAT Satellite Services on Tuesday in Johannesburg, describing the company as a product of South Africa’s growing cooperation with UAE-based Space42. During the launch, Mashatile also announced the local availability of Thuraya satellite communications services, delivered through Space42. He noted that the initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the South African government, Space42 and BrainSAT Technologies during a state visit to Dubai in April 2024, laying the foundation for collaboration in satellite communications and digital infrastructure.
“The launch of BrainSAT Satellite Services and Thuraya satellite phones mark an important milestone in our nation’s pursuit of secure, resilient and reliable satellite connectivity,” the deputy president said.
BrainSAT will offer a portfolio of satellite-enabled services, including broadband connectivity through YahClick and mobile satellite services via the Thuraya network. While both services have previously been available in South Africa through commercial distributors, the creation of a dedicated local entity reflects a more structured approach to expanding satellite communications capabilities and supporting national digital infrastructure objectives.
Satellite Services for South Africa
BrainSAT’s service portfolio centres on satellite-enabled connectivity solutions delivered through its partnership with Space42. Among its flagship offerings is YahClick, a high-throughput Ka-band satellite broadband service designed to provide internet connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or unavailable.
According to the company, YahClick is one of the most widely deployed Ka-band high-throughput satellite broadband services across Africa. Developed through the former Yahsat–Hughes Network Systems joint venture, the platform has been deployed across multiple African markets to support enterprise, government and rural connectivity applications.
Beyond broadband, BrainSAT also provides access to Thuraya’s mobile satellite communications services, expanding connectivity options for users operating in remote and infrastructure-constrained environments. Together, these offerings position the company to serve sectors such as mining, agriculture, maritime, emergency response and public services, where resilient communications remain essential.
Advancing South Africa’s National SATCOM Strategy
The launch of BrainSAT also forms part of South Africa’s broader National Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Strategy, developed by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Speaking at the launch, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the initiative supports the government’s objective of establishing a South African-owned satellite communications system to expand digital connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
According to Mashatile, the strategy extends beyond improving broadband access. It is intended to support wider government priorities by enhancing public service delivery, stimulating economic growth, and creating opportunities for new industries built around satellite-enabled technologies. He added that a national satellite communications capability would also contribute to skills development while strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
Related: Watch Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s keynote address at the BrainSAT launch
Mashatile further highlighted Space42’s role in supporting these ambitions by providing satellite infrastructure, including the Thuraya-4 Next Generation System (NGS) satellite, the Foresight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation, and the YahClick broadband platform. While these assets provide immediate communications capabilities, they also reinforce South Africa’s longer-term ambition to build a more resilient and strategically important satellite communications ecosystem.