Angola to Launch New Earth Observation Satellite as Part of Digital Expansion Strategy
The new satellite will complement existing infrastructure and reinforce the country’s capabilities in areas such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
Angola is set to strengthen its position in Africa’s digital and technological landscape with the launch of a new Earth observation satellite and the expansion of its national fibre optic network. The announcement was made by President João Lourenço during the III Summit on Financing for Infrastructure Development in Africa, held in Luanda Bay on October 28.
In his opening speech, President Lourenço emphasized that the initiative is part of Angola’s broader modernisation and digital inclusion strategy, aimed at ensuring that all citizens benefit from technological innovation. The new satellite will complement existing infrastructure and reinforce the country’s capabilities in areas such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
President Lourenço highlighted that the Angolan Government remained committed to ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and emphasized that innovation should serve as a tool for inclusive national development. He stated that, in the field of telecommunications, the government was investing in another satellite for Earth observation and extending the national fiber optic network across the country so that digital solutions and technological innovation would be within the reach of all Angolans.
The President also noted that Angola’s ongoing investments in the telecommunications sector align with the nation’s economic diversification goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and technologically advanced continent.
This announcement builds on previous achievements, particularly the successful launch of ANGOSAT-2 in October 2022 — a communications satellite providing extensive coverage across Angola and much of the African continent. ANGOSAT-2 has already enhanced access to internet services, broadcasting, and data communications.
With the upcoming Earth observation satellite, Angola is taking another decisive step toward digital sovereignty, regional leadership in space technology, and the integration of cutting-edge infrastructure to support sustainable development. The initiative underscores the government’s vision of using technology as a foundation for progress, connectivity, and economic transformation across all regions of the country.
