China on early Monday morning launched a communications satellite for Nigeria, the first of its kind in Africa and the first time a foreign buyer has purchased a Chinese satellite and its launching service. May 14 - China on early Monday morning launched a communications satellite for Nigeria, the first of its kind in Africa and the first time a foreign buyer has purchased a Chinese satellite and its launching service, Xinhua reported.The carrier rocket, Long March 3-B, blasted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 0:01 Monday and the northwest Xi'an Satellite Control center said the satellite had entered orbit accurately.The Nigerian Communication Satellite, or NIGCOMSAT-1, is a super hybrid geo-stationary satellite designed to operate in Africa, parts of the Middle East and southern Europe.Experts estimate that the satellite program will revolutionize telecommunications, broadcasting and broadband multimedia services in Africa.It will create more than 150,000 jobs for Nigerians, save broadband users more than 95 million U.S. dollars a year, as well as providing Internet access to remote rural villages, and save more than 660 million U.S. dollars in phone call charges.It is also expected to play key roles in e-commerce, improving government efficiency and promoting the development of the digital economy in Nigeria and throughout the entire African continent.The satellite will change positions in orbit until it is finally fixed at a longitude of 42 degrees east. It is expected to be put into use by Nigeria before the end of the year and has a lifespan of 15 years.China was awarded the deal in 2004 after it outbid 21 international rivals to secure the 311 million U.S. dollar deal.