South Africa is embarking on a new venture to launch a dedicated national satellite through a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration aims to bolster South Africa’s capabilities in space technology and improve its digital infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Mondli Gungubele, confirmed the initiative at the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Dubai. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency, he highlighted that the partnership leverages the UAE’s advanced capabilities in satellite technology. This announcement follows the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two nations.

The summit, which was held under the patronage of the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), attracted influential figures from the region to discuss opportunities in digital innovation. South Africa’s participation in this event underscores its commitment to enhancing its technological capacity through international collaboration.