[5/15/07] China launched a communications satellite for Nigeria, reportedly marking the first time a foreign buyer has purchased a Chinese satellite and its launching service.

According to a May 14 report by state-run Xinhua, the carrier rocket Long March-3B was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province in southwest China.
 
The Nigerian satellite, Nigcomsat-1, is a hybrid geostationary satellite designed to operate in Africa, parts of the Middle East and southern Europe.

With Nigcomsat-1 planned for placement at 42° East with a lifespan of 15 years, China will offer support services and training for Nigerian technicians. China has reportedly signed several similar cooperative contracts offering commercial launching services for foreign satellites.