Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA has partnered with GalaxySpace, a Chinese satellite operator, to introduce Direct to Device D2D satellite communication services across the country.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding MoU signed in Abuja, aims to deliver satellite based connectivity directly to users’ devices, bypassing the limitations of terrestrial infrastructure.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NASRDA Director General Dr Matthew Adepoju described the partnership as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of advanced space and communication technologies.
Today, direct to device satellite communication is no longer theoretical it is a reality.
Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind, he stated. Dr Adepoju explained that the deployment of D2D technology would allow devices such as smartphones, laptops, and workstations to connect directly to satellites without relying on mobile towers.
He further noted that full deployment is expected to take place before the end of 2025.
Satellite direct to device D2D connectivity remains largely underdeveloped in Africa, despite its transformative potential, especially for rural and underserved communities.
Major telecom operators like MTN and Vodacom are actively exploring partnerships with global LEO satellite providers to fill this gap.
MTN South Africa and Lynk Global recently conducted Africa’s first satellite to smartphone voice and SMS call during a trial in Vryburg, signalling progress towards full exploration in the sector.
Although Starlink has established a notable presence in Africa and launched over 100 Direct to Cell D2C capable satellites, the timeline and scope of its D2C rollout on the continent remain unclear.
Its recent partnership with Airtel Africa may open avenues for exploring these capabilities.
In this context, Nigeria’s collaboration with GalaxySpace could serve as a reference point for similar initiatives across the region, offering a potential model for integrating satellite connectivity into the D2D market.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2025/06/23/nasrda-and-galaxyspace-sign-mou-to-deploy-direct-to-device-d2d-satellite-communication-in-nigeria/