Satellite solutions driving Africa’s digital future

02 December 2025

Hormat Gulamova, Senior Sales Manager, Azercosmos, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Hormat Gulamova, Senior Sales Manager, Azercosmos, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

1. How does Azercosmos’ expanded service package via the Azerspace-1 and Azerspace-2 satellites enhance connectivity and digital development across Africa?

Azercosmos provides extensive C-band and Ku-band coverage across Africa through its dual satellites, connecting millions of people in areas where terrestrial networks are limited. The primary goal is to enable reliable connectivity to underserved regions, supporting sectors such as e-learning, healthcare, enterprise connectivity, and mobile backhaul. By expanding its service offerings, Azercosmos strengthens the digital infrastructure that underpins economic inclusion and innovation.

Complementing its technical capabilities, the company has developed flexible capacity leasing, managed services, and customised broadcasting packages for both private and government clients. Its teleport infrastructure in Baku ensures secure, uninterrupted operations, positioning Azerbaijan as a strategic digital gateway linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

2. Which sectors in Africa benefit most from Azercosmos satellite services?

The impact of Azercosmos’ services spans multiple sectors. In telecommunications, its broadband and VSAT solutions enhance mobile networks and data backhaul in underserved regions. In media and broadcasting, Azercosmos supports more than 110 TV and radio channels, reaching over 100 million households. The services extend to education, enabling online classrooms for remote communities, and healthcare, providing medical teleconsultations in areas with limited infrastructure.

Aviation also benefits through 24/7 airport communications. For government and enterprise clients, Azercosmos ensures secure, encrypted communications and reliable ground control, making satellite connectivity a trusted enabler of secure, scalable operations across industries.

3. What are some key milestones or success stories in Azercosmos’ involvement in Africa?

Over the past decade, Azercosmos has established a presence in 39 countries, covering roughly 70% of the continent.

Significant achievements include partnerships with Luft TV Nigeria, delivering over 70 international channels via Azerspace-2, and supporting live global streaming of major events like the Comrades Marathon.

The company has also enabled remote medical consultations and digital education in underserved communities, while its sales and service strategy has focused on creating long-term value through regional distributors and enterprise clients, ensuring accessibility and continuity in every market it serves.

4. How does Azercosmos address challenges in delivering satellite services across diverse African regions?

Africa’s geographic and infrastructural diversity requires highly flexible and resilient solutions. Azercosmos meets this challenge through its dual-satellite system, combining wide C-band coverage with targeted Ku-band beams to adapt to local conditions.

The company collaborates closely with regional operators to provide services tailored to specific needs, from broadcasting hubs in West Africa to rural broadband networks in East Africa. Its teleport and ground control network, supported by advanced monitoring and cybersecurity systems, guarantees both reliable and secure data transmission.

By combining technical versatility with strong local partnerships, Azercosmos is able to deliver consistent, high-quality service even in the most challenging environments.

5. Who are Azercosmos’ main competitors in Africa, and what sets it apart?

While the company competes with other satellite operators, it differentiates itself through tailored service packages for enterprises, governments, and broadcasters, as well as agile pre-sales, 24/7 client support, and rapid response for live broadcasts or other critical events. Azercosmos maintains high service-level standards, which fosters trust and long-term partnerships across the continent.

6. Which African markets are strongest for Azercosmos?

Kenya and Nigeria are key markets, with enterprise and telecom operators representing the core of the business. Although broadcasting and e-health services are important, partnerships with mobile operators and regional distributors dominate Azercosmos’ operations.
The company focuses on sustainable, multi-regional projects that enable Africa’s long-term digital transformation.

7. How is Azercosmos innovating to ensure sustainable and reliable satellite connectivity in Africa?

Innovation at Azercosmos emphasises both sustainability and reliability. Technically, the cross-connectivity design of Azerspace-2 allows for efficient use of bandwidth, and smaller antenna systems help reduce environmental and operational costs. Operationally, the company prioritises long-term partnerships, continuous after-sales support, and investment in next-generation satellite and teleport technologies.

Security is a top concern, with encrypted communications, continuous monitoring, and data integrity measures ensuring uninterrupted service. Integration with terrestrial and cloud networks also allows Azercosmos to offer hybrid connectivity solutions, combining the strengths of satellite, fibre, and cloud infrastructure.

8. What are Azercosmos’ strategic goals for Africa’s digital future?

Looking ahead, Azercosmos aims to remain a trusted partner in Africa’s digital growth story.

The company plans to expand its service portfolio to include analytics, IoT, and climate monitoring, while strengthening partnerships that empower local innovation ecosystems. Its mission is to support sustainable and inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that no community is left unconnected.

By leveraging Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Azercosmos intends to optimise connectivity, efficiency, and commercial reach for its African partners. Ultimately, the company positions itself not just as a satellite operator but as a partner in progress, helping shape Africa’s digital horizon through technology, trust, and collaboration.