• Nigeria selects Thales Alenia Space and Israel Aerospace Industries for satellite project.
• Dispute with Chinese contractor China Great Wall Industry Corporation over $11.4 million debt.
• Nigeria aims to diversify international partners and boost national digital connectivity.
• 18 African countries have launched at least one satellite, 21 have a dedicated space program.

This decision may indicate a shift in African governments' willingness to explore alternative satellite suppliers beyond China, which could suggest a more competitive market for space technology in the region. The move may also signal an opportunity for European tech companies to compete against Chinese firms in Africa.