Kazakhstan revealed the details of the deal worth up to 75 million dollars for the satellite production program, which includes partnerships with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). These agreements are a significant step in the development of the national space industry. Partnerships envisage the creation of land remote sensing satellites for export to these African countries within a broader program. Four satellites will be optoelectronic and two SAR (synthetic aperture radar), which will allow obtaining data for building three-dimensional models of the surface.
It was reported, that the cost of export spacecraft is from 70 to 75 millions of dollars, although specific details are not being released due to contractual conditions. The satellites will be developed by Ghalam LLP, joint venture, 72% which belongs to Kazakhstan (Gharysh Sapary) and 27% — Airbus Defence and Space. The completion of the project is scheduled for 2026 year, with the launch of the first satellites at the beginning 2027 year, and the rest will be ready for khapusk between 2028 and 2029 for years.
Expansion of space influence of Kazakhstan in Africa
Agreements with Nigeria and DR Congo expand Kazakhstan's presence in Africa, where the country is actively developing strategic partnerships in space technologies.
Early contacts
Space diplomacy of Kazakhstan in Africa began in 2019 year with a proposal to conduct a pilot program for Zimbabwe, to demonstrate the capabilities of satellite technology.
Partnership with Egypt
Cooperation with Egypt covers several directions. IN 2019 Kazakhstan expressed interest in developing small satellites with the Egyptian Space Agency. Egypt uses images from Kazakh satellites, and the EgyptSat-A satellite was launched from Baikonur in 2019 year. Law of Kazakhstan on space 2012 became the basis for Egypt's space legislation project. IN 2023 The Ambassador of Kazakhstan met with the head of the Egyptian Space Agency to discuss the exchange of experience and cooperation through the embassy in Cairo..
High-level visit from Rwanda
IN 2025 In 2015, the President of Rwanda and the head of the Rwanda Space Agency visited the National Space Center in Astana, where they got acquainted with the real-time capabilities of satellite management of Kazakhstan.
These partnerships underscore Kazakhstan's comprehensive approach to space cooperation, which includes the production of satellites, launch services, regulatory framework, training and knowledge transfer across the African continent.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com