Boost in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Progress for Eutelsat as Connectivity Demand escalates in Africa and Middle East (MENA) Regions

Boost in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Progress for Eutelsat as Connectivity Demand escalates in Africa and Middle East (MENA) Regions

Eutelsat Communications, a leading satellite operator, has announced impressive growth in its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite business. In the financial year 2024-25, LEO revenues surged by a staggering 84% year-over-year, reaching €187 million, accounting for approximately 15% of the group’s total revenue.

This growth is attributed to expanding rural broadband projects, government and military contracts, and strategic partnerships. Eutelsat's LEO focus is on secure communications and enterprise/government services, rather than direct competition with consumer-focused operators like Starlink or Project Kuiper.

In the realm of digital inclusion in Africa and the Middle East, Eutelsat's LEO expansion is making a significant impact. By enhancing connectivity in underserved and rural regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited, it supports rising demand in emerging markets and government-driven initiatives to advance digital infrastructure.

The LEO-enabled solutions played a leading role in a 4.3% growth year-on-year in the fixed connectivity segment. Notably, Eutelsat's Konnect initiative delivered high-speed internet to nearly one million people in rural Sub-Saharan Africa by June 2025.

Eutelsat's hybrid GEO-LEO model and partnerships are strategically positioned to reduce dependence on U.S.-based satellite providers, responding to geopolitical factors and fostering digital sovereignty, which may further benefit digital inclusion efforts in these regions.

The coming year is expected to see deeper public-private partnerships and greater satellite integration into national broadband agendas. A capital increase of €1.5 billion, backed by the French State, Bharti, and His Majesty’s Government (UK), will support further investment in LEO infrastructure. This includes the development of the IRIS2 constellation, a part of Eutelsat's LEO infrastructure.

The satellite operator posted revenues of €1.24 billion, representing a 2.5% increase year-on-year. Notably, Eutelsat extended its partnership with MBS to deliver OneWeb LEO services to institutional clients across Europe and MENA. The company also signed a landmark agreement with Orange to integrate LEO capacity into Orange's portfolio.

In summary, Eutelsat's LEO business is growing rapidly, leveraging governmental and enterprise demand to boost connectivity in Africa and the Middle East, contributing positively to digital inclusion by expanding affordable, reliable broadband access in underserved areas. The company is entering a new chapter centered on the deployment of LEO and becoming a central player in the development of the European sovereign space.

1. The satellite operator, Eutelsat Communications, attributes its growing LEO satellite business, which surged by 84% year-over-year, to expanding rural broadband projects, government and military contracts, and strategic partnerships.
2. Eutelsat's LEO focus is on secure communications and enterprise/government services, rather than direct competition with consumer-focused operators like Starlink or Project Kuiper.
3. In the coming year, Eutelsat is expected to deepen public-private partnerships and integrate satellites more extensively into national broadband agendas, as a €1.5 billion capital increase will support further investment in LEO infrastructure, including the development of the IRIS2 constellation.
4. The technology-driven growth in Eutelsat's LEO business is making a significant impact in Africa and the Middle East, enhancing connectivity in underserved and rural regions, fostering digital inclusion, and supporting the development of the European sovereign space in the realm of business and science.

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