By Stephanie Dwilson | 2025-10-01

Leading Emirati space technology company Space42's new five-year agreement with Angola marks a significant expansion in the United Arab Emirates' satellite and space collaboration with the African nation and on the African continent.

The company's landmark agreement with Angola’s Military Intelligence and Security Service will enhance previously established satellite infrastructure.

Formalized during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's state visit to Angola, at the invitation of Angolan President João Lourenço, the deal aims to strengthen ties between the two nations, Space42 said August 26.

The five-year strategic partnership establishes a framework for advanced technological collaboration across multiple domains, Space in Africa reported August 27.

Priority areas identified include satellite communications improvements using Space42’s existing infrastructure, advanced Earth observation, and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics and processing.

They also include high altitude platform systems for communications and observation, border control solutions to enhance monitoring and strengthen national security, and command and control center development.

Advancing space, AI strategies

The satellite communications improvements will build upon Space42’s YahClick and Thuraya satellite systems to expand high-capacity communication networks, according to iAfrica and other sources.

Space42 already provides 100% coverage of Angola through its YahClick satellite broadband service.

This existing infrastructure foundation will be significantly enhanced with upcoming expanded solutions and services from the advanced Thuraya-4 satellite system, Space42 said.

Created in April 2024 as a merger of the UAE's flagship satellite operator Yahsat and AI-powered geospatial solutions provider Bayanat AI PLC, Space42 aims to advance the UAE's space and AI strategies on a global scale.

"By combining two of the country’s leading space titans, the UAE continues to make major strides on a global scale to push the boundaries of this sector," Space42 chairman Mansoor Al Mansoori said at the time of the merger.

Space42 aims to "foster economic growth, develop world-class talent, and advance scientific exploration," and will play a key role in realizing the National Space Strategy 2030 and National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.

UAE's role in space security

Space42’s agreement with Angola is just the latest example of the UAE's growing role in Africa's space sector, and shows how it is positioning itself as a regional hub for space innovation and an emerging player in global space security.

The UAE was Africa's largest foreign investor in 2024, with $44 billion in deployed capital, and continues to expand its influence in the continent's space sector via partnerships and investments.

The Gulf state has forged partnerships with African nations and regional bodies such as the African Space Agency, with the UAE Space Agency poised to cooperate on cross-continent initiatives.

Africa-focused space initiatives include the five year Map Africa Initiative, which uses satellite data to help African countries with issues such as urban planning and disaster response.

As chair of the 14-member Arab Space Cooperation Group, which includes Egypt, Sudan, Algeria and Morocco, on the African continent, the UAE coordinates efforts to advance space capabilities.

In May, the UAE confirmed it would be working with South Africa to develop a dedicated satellite, and it has signed a package of agreements with the Egyptian Space Agency.

As the UAE builds its relationships on the African continent, other Gulf states are doing the same, with Saudi Arabia expanding its space investments as part of its Vision 2030.

In September, the kingdom's Communications, Space and Technology Commission and Somalia's National Communications Authority formed a partnership to regulate and develop space and AI technologies.