Eutelsat Communications and Spacecom have announced the signature of a partnership agreement that will drive expansion of digital entertainment services at one of Africa's fastest-growing video neighbourhoods.

The two companies have established a framework for cross-commercialisation of Ku-band capacity connected to the high-power African service areas of Eutelsat's EUTELSAT 16A satellite at 16 East and Spacecom's AMOS-5 satellite at 17 East.

The combined channel line-up of both satellites already comprises over 100 free-to-air African and international channels that can be received by standard 80cm dishes in a vast footprint covering over 30 million TV homes located notably in Francophone Africa and extending to Ghana and Nigeria.

Leveraging their respective knowledge of Africa's fast-growing broadcast markets, the two operators will pool their commercial efforts to ignite further growth at the 16-17 East position, which is already the leading DTH and free-to-air video neighbourhood in West Africa.

In addition to improving the quality and effectiveness of broadcasting services, this unique agreement raises the bar for service continuity for broadcasters and will deliver viewers a larger channel line-up from one virtual orbital position.

Launched in 2011 and equipped with identical Ku-band African footprints, the EUTELSAT 16A and AMOS-5 satellites host free-to-air channels as well as pay-TV, DTT and free-to-view platforms for media companies who are increasingly turning to satellites as the fastest and most competitive route to digital content delivery.

Commenting on the partnership, Rodney Benn, Eutelsat's Regional Vice President for Africa, said: "This agreement between Eutelsat and Spacecom shows how neighbouring operators can combine their strengths to offer Africa's broadcast community the full benefits of their expertise. Spacecom is one of the most dynamic satellite companies in the African marketplace and we look forward to working with them on building on our shared vision of aggregating the most compelling content for TV viewers at a single neighbourhood."

Amir Carmeli, SVP Sales West Africa and France of Spacecom, added: "Africa is a tremendously dynamic market for digital broadcasting. Our agreement with Eutelsat enriches viewers' experiences throughout the continent. By creating a joint effort that aggregates content and improves the commercial reach of advertisers, we are optimising the broadcast environment. The availability of diverse and quality broadcasts from Africa and abroad, extends the limits of African entertainment possibilities and develops social and educational values."