Prime contractor for the system is France's Alcatel Space, who will provide the satellites and ground facilities.

CNN: Ariane to launch radio satellite for Africa

Prime contractor for the 6, 000-pound (2.7 ton) satellite was France's Alcatel Space, a joint venture between Alcatel and Thomson-CSF.

CNN: Ariane rocket blasts into space, launches two satellites

Prime contractor for the AfriStar satellite was Alcatel Space with Marta Marconi Space, a joint venture of Britain's General Electric and France's Lagardere the major sub-contractor.

CNN: Ariane rocket orbits U.S. communications satellites