Only $2bn of Africa's $7.9bn satellite pipeline is firmly committed, report finds

Space in Africa has published its African Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Market Report 2026, reviewing satellites African operators have built, bought and launched since 1998 and projecting spending for 2027 to 2036.

Its pipeline holds 113 possible satellites worth $7.94 billion. Just $2.00 billion, covering 21 satellites, rests on a signed contract, funded build or named partner. Restricting the count to satellites rated Credible or better gives $3.69 billion of likely spending, peaking near $1.1 billion in 2029. Sixteen geostationary communications satellites make up 69% of the pipeline's value.

Historically, 69 African satellites have reached orbit at a cost of about $7.2 billion in 2026 dollars. African teams built 22, all small; large satellites were all built abroad, and none has launched from African soil.

Why it matters: Separating committed from intended spending shows where African governments, manufacturers and launch providers can still influence supplier choice and local content. Supplier decisions are expected between 2026 and 2029, and the shift toward low-orbit broadband could reshape demand.