5 benefits Africa's new space agency can deliver
The African Space Agency was officially inaugurated in Cairo's Space City in April 2025. The event marked a milestone in a process that had been in the works since the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the European Space Agency, it unites African Union (AU) member states to harness space technology for development. This is in line with the AU's Agenda 2063, aimed at advancing Africa into a prosperous future.
Read more:
The agency's goal is to:
coordinate and implement Africa's space ambitions by promoting collaboration among the AU's 55 member states
harness space technologies for sustainable development, climate resilience and socio-economic growth
oversee the African Space Policy and Strategy to enhance access to space-derived data
foster partnerships with international space agencies like the European Space Agency and others.
Over 20 African countries operate space programmes and more than 65 African satellites have been launched. It is my view as a global space diplomacy expert that the agency can help ensure that Africa isn't a bystander in the space economy. This sector is projected to be worth US$1.8 trillion by 2035.
The space agency positions Africa to address pressing challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy. These include using satellite data, boosting connectivity, driving economic growth, fostering global partnerships and training future leaders.
Valuable eyes in the sky
Space assets, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a number of advantages. The continent faces significant climate risks like droughts, fires and floods. This is particularly problematic as the agricultural sector is approximately 35% of Africa's GDP and employs about half of its people across over 1 billion hectares of arable land.
Satellite data optimises crop yields, supports climate-resilient farming, and enhances sustainable fisheries and port modernisation. Nigeria's National Space Research and Deveopment Agency, for example, has used satellites like the NigSat-2 to monitor crop health and predict yields.
Beyond agriculture, satellites assist in project planning in cities across Africa. Kenya uses a satellite to track urban development trends and enhance municipal urban planning capacities.
Satellites also keep an eye on Africa's resource-abundant territories while tackling problems like armed conflict, deforestation, and illegal migration and mining.
The African Space Agency will help provide access to AI-enhanced satellite data. This will enable even nations with constrained resources to tackle local needs. For instance, Côte d'Ivoire's first locally made satellite, launched in 2024, shows how African nations are building their own capabilities.
Read more:
By making it easier to share data, the African Space Agency also positions the continent to generate revenue in the global space data market. That fuels innovation.
Enhancing connectivity and enabling cutting-edge technology
Africa's digital divide is stark. Only 38% of its population was online in 2024, compared to the global average of 68%. The African Space Agency aims to bridge this gap through satellite-based communications. This technology can deliver broadband to remote regions where cell towers and undersea cables are impractical.
Connectivity enables education, e-commerce and telemedicine.
Satellite services, like those provided by SpaceX's Starlink in 21 African countries, will drive digital inclusion. In turn this promises to reduce unemployment and help entrepreneurs.
The African Space Agency is also positioning Africa to embrace new space technologies. Examples include Japan's 2025 demonstration of beaming solar power from space, following a US achievement in 2023.
This could revolutionise energy access. Space-based solar power captures solar energy in orbit via satellite and transmits it as microwaves to Earth. This offers a solution to Africa's energy poverty. It could provide reliable power to remote areas without extensive grid infrastructure.
The African Space Agency's role in coordinating satellite launches and data sharing will make these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.
Driving economic growth and innovation
Africa's space sector, now worth over US$20 billion, is growing rapidly. The industry has seen an increase of private companies and investor support, moving beyond sole dependence on government funding. Investment is being fuelled by 327 NewSpace firms, a term used for the new emerging commercial space industry in nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. These firms often excel in satellite communication, Earth observation and component manufacturing.
But many African nations lack resources. The agency will lower barriers by fostering collaboration, coordinating national space programmes, and reducing duplication.For example, the African Space Agency's efforts to streamline satellite development and launches will spur local manufacturing and tech hubs.
This means that smaller economies will be able to participate.
Strengthening regional and global connections
Africa's space sector relies on partnerships with space agencies and commercial space companies based in the 'space powers'. These include the US, Russia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions provide launch services, satellite development and ground stations.
An example is Senegal's GaindeSAT-1A, a CubeSat launched in 2024 via America's SpaceX with French collaboration.
Meanwhile, countries like South Africa are exploring local rocket programmes to enhance the agency's self-reliance. Africa's space ground stations are already located across the continent, supporting the European Space Agency and commercial missions. They will soon host a deep space ground station for America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Funding remains a challenge. African nations allocated just US$426 million to space programmes in 2025. That's less than 1% of global spending. The European Space Agency has an US$8 billion budget.
However, initiatives like the €100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025–2028) aim to boost Africa's space sovereignty and innovation.
The agency's vision extends beyond Earth, with an eye on the Moon. Some members, notably Angola, Nigeria and Rwanda, have already signed the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. For their part Egypt and South Africa are collaborating with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station.
Read more:
Training the next generation
A skilled workforce is critical to Africa's space industry. The Africa Space Agency Space City plans to host a training academy. It will build on Egypt's programmes in space project management, satellite design, and orbital simulation.
Partnerships like the Africa-EU programme offer scholarships, while private initiatives, such as the Pathways to Space programme by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy, engage students in 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Scott Firsing, University of South Africa
Read more:
Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU
Starlink is transforming Pacific internet access – but in some countries it's still illegal
Nigerian children don't imagine women as political leaders: what shapes their view
Scott Firsing does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
19 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
The European Space Agency and Dassault Aviation paving the way for potential collaborations
PRESS RELEASE June 20, 2025 The European Space Agency and Dassault Aviation paving the way for potential collaborations ESA and Dassault Aviation have identified a mutual interest in developing a closer relationship to commonly foster technology development in areas such as LEO destinations and particularly around orbital vehicules. The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Dassault Aviation, a French civilian and military aircraft manufacturer recognized worldwide for its excellence, underlying their common interest to develop a closer relationship. ESA, with its ambitious strategy for space exploration, Explore2040, is seeking innovative solutions for capabilities development to reach and return from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars, and supports the advancement of selected critical enabling technologies to be used and demonstrated in particular in LEO, such as hypervelocity re-entry. Dassault Aviation, also a leader in aerospace engineering, is developing its space activities with a focus on the design of a reusable spaceplane based on lifting bodies shapes that bridge aeronautical and space technologies. Their interest in automated LEO platforms suitable for commercial and institutional markets, led them to develop a vehicle concept called ' Véhicule Orbital Réutilisable de Transport et d'Exploration (VORTEX) ', designed for research in space, transport of cargo to and from space stations, and a range of in-orbit services. This project is based on a considerable expertise in spaceplanes having participated in numerous programmes like Hermes, NASA X-38 Crew Rescue vehicle, ESA Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) demonstrator, and Airborne Reusable Hypersonic Experimental Vehicle (VEHRA) concepts. ' Dassault Aviation's decades of expertise in aeronautical and space systems, perfectly position them to pioneer critical space technologies ', said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency. ' With VORTEX, Dassault is contributing to strengthening European capacities and securing sovereign access to space in a strongly growing and competitive space sector. We look forward to combining our expertise and working hand-in-hand for a stronger Europe in space.' ' Our Vortex roadmap aims to strengthen Europe's essential sovereign capabilities and meet the new challenges of the space economy. This letter of intent is a perfect recognition of the complementary expertise of the European Space Agency and Dassault Aviation in the development of critical technologies and innovative space solutions, ' declared Eric Trappier, Chaiman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. As such, the signatories of the LoI, have identified a mutual interest in developing a closer relationship with the potential to commonly derisking critical technologies as well as to further explore the potential for collaboration in areas such as LEO destinations and particularly around orbital vehicules. As such, both foresee an interest to cooperate on a scaled down suborbital version of VORTEX, serving as a testbed, with a focus on, but not limited to: Designing, testing and qualifying key technologies and components. New materials and integration processes. Assessing the feasibility to include future payloads in case of the integration of a dedicated bay on the end-product. This joint work will be based on exchanging relevant information and conducting studies or preparatory activities, to help establish respective roles and responsibilities in the realisation of potential joint activities, leveraging on each side's capabilities. ' Europe benefits from a wide range of diverse and complementary skills. Enlarging the European industrial base is key for new opportunities arising in Space Exploration, aiming at more autonomy,' said Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA. About the European Space Agency The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe's gateway to is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia are Associate Members. ESA has established formal cooperation with other four Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on advancing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions. Learn more about ESA at
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Find Big Beautiful Profits in Trump's Budget Bill
There's a new sheriff in town, or at least that's what the budget bill Trump is back in the saddle, and he's riding in with a 'Big, Beautiful Bill' that aims to reshape the fiscal landscape of America. Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing's certain: there's money to be isn't about political ideology. This is about dollars and cents. And if you're the kind of investor who likes to get ahead of the curve, now's the time to pay I'm breaking down exactly how Trump's latest budget proposal can translate into a market-moving opportunity. We're going to zero in on the sectors that are poised to benefit and understand why policy creates get into the Budget BoomTrump's budget isn't a 'skinny bill' or some placeholder draft. It's a fireworks show of federal spending. This is fiscal stimulus with a red hat and a bullhorn. Infrastructure, defense, border security, energy independence, you name it, there's a line item for are forward-looking machines, and as the bill takes shape, capital is already shifting. Institutional money doesn't wait until the ribbon-cutting ceremony; it loads up when the ink hits the page. That's why understanding the thematic shifts before they materialize in quarterly earnings is key to Government, Big Gains It may seem counterintuitive, but historically, markets have been fond of spending. It doesn't matter if the budget is balanced or busted; the important thing is where the money is going. And Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill tells us that loud and clear. Follow the money for take a look at the big-ticket themes in this budget that are likely to push equity valuations Spending ExplosionThis one is self-explanatory right now. If there's one part of the federal budget Trump never skimps on, it's defense. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and a hawkish stance on global military presence, the defense budget is poised to increase planes, tanks, missiles, cybersecurity, satellites, and advanced warfare tech. The contractors that feed the Pentagon machine are going to be very busy. Of course, Aerospace and Defense stocks immediately come to mind. But don't let yourself get caught up in 20th-century thinking on this one. The future of warfare is all about escalation in the Middle East is very unnerving. The threat of this conflict spilling over to other nations is Hat Capitalism: Infrastructure Gets the Green Light Trump is back to preaching 'America First,' and that includes putting steel to pavement. Roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, and broadband infrastructure are all getting a stocks, raw materials, engineering firms, and specialized machinery manufacturers are among the first to receive contracts and for US-based stocks in these industries to fare the best, of course. This is a clear case of 'The rich get richer,' as stocks that benefited from Trump's spending last time around are likely to benefit again. Don't be afraid to revisit what worked four years . . .------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Best $1 Investment You Can MakeThis unique Zacks Ultimate arrangement grants you 30-day access to all our private portfolios for only $1 without a cent of additional portfolios have closed 99 double and triple-digit gains so far this year. While not all our picks are winners, members saw gains of +220.3%, +298.3%, +627.5%, and even +1,340.0%.¹Start Zacks Ultimate Access Now >>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Wall, Border Tech, and SecurityYes, the wall is back. But this time, it's more about tech than brick. Firewalls have replaced actual walls. We're talking surveillance, drones, biometric scanners, smart fencing, and AI-powered tracking involved in security hardware, software, and border protection will be bidding for billion-dollar contracts. As the world evolves and shifts increasingly to the digital realm, cybersecurity becomes and Mineral Independence Energy policy under Trump has always been built on independence and dominance. This budget loosens the reins on domestic drilling, pipelines, and nuclear energy—all under the banner of 'unleashing American energy.'Coal is politically symbolic, but the real money is in LNG, shale, and infrastructure upgrades. Energy services, fracking equipment, and even uranium players stand to more than just energy this time around. The bill was introduced to Congress around the same time as several Executive Orders aimed at achieving mineral independence for the US. That means that the US does not want to rely on imports for the critical minerals it needs to manufacture critically essential Reindustrialization & Anti-China SentimentThis bill has echoes of Trump's earlier 'Bring Jobs Home' campaign. This means reshoring chip production, subsidizing critical industries, and boosting American-made manufacturing, particularly in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, and that with anti-China tech policies and you've got a recipe for selective decoupling. Expect friendly tax treatment for U.S.-based manufacturers and aggressive tariffs or bans on Chinese you've been following along the NVIDIA saga at all, you've already seen this. One day, NVIDIA can sell lower-end chips to China, and the next day, it can't. If you're reading between the lines, it's best to bet on US chip manufacturers that don't deal with the Far and Rural Healthcare Expansion Bipartisan support for improved care for veterans and underserved rural populations means healthcare stocks, particularly those focused on logistics, telehealth, and clinic expansion, could receive a significant Federal ContractorsThe big companies, such as Lockheed and Raytheon, will get the headlines. However, the real alpha is hidden in the small- to mid-cap firms that secure subcontractor work. These companies often fly under Wall Street's radar, and their earnings are disproportionately affected by a single large contract.I'm referring to niche suppliers of military-grade connectors, battlefield software, rural broadband specialists, or regional construction companies with existing government ties. These smaller companies are the ones that could potentially surge 10x in a portfolio, versus some of the behemoths, where a billion-dollar contract doesn't even move the Line The One Big, Beautiful Bill is making its way through Congress. There have already been some significant winners and substantial losers as a result. These themes are not going to fall by the wayside overnight. Following the money in that bill could lead to substantial gains for investors over the next three Best Way to Find Zacks' Top Picks Today, I'm pleased to offer you full, 30-day, real-time access to every stock and ETF we recommend as part of our celebrated Zacks Ultimate expert-led recommendation services are designed to highlight the most promising stocks on the market, including the hottest AI firms, insider trades (the legal kind), home run moves, stocks under $10, earnings surprise stocks, and much total cost is only $1, and there's no obligation to spend a cent includes the real-time buy and sell recommendations, along with expert market insights from ALL of Zacks' private portfolio future success isn't guaranteed, Zacks Ultimate members recently had opportunities to close gains of +220.3%, +298.3%, +627.5%, and an incredible +1,340.0%.¹Free Bonus Report: You'll also receive our Special Report, The Semiconductor Surge: A Single Stock to Watch. As demand and revenue for semiconductor stocks continue to boom, this little-known chipmaker looks to rival NVIDIA's explosive growth moving wait – this opportunity ends at midnight Sunday, June Access and Our Bonus Report Right Now for Just $1 >>All the best,DaveDavid BartosiakStock StrategistDave Bartosiak is Zacks' resident earnings surprise expert and the manager of Zacks's Blockchain Innovators. He selects stocks and delivers daily commentary for our Surprise Trader portfolio.¹ The results listed above are not (or may not be) representative of the performance of all selections made by Zacks Investment Research's newsletter editors and may represent the partial close of a position. Access grants you a comprehensive list of all open and closed trades. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aduro Clean Technologies Announces Closing of Underwriter's Over-Allotment Option in Public Offering
LONDON, Ontario, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. ('Aduro' or the 'Company') (Nasdaq: ADUR) (CSE: ACT) (FSE: 9D5), a clean technology company using the power of chemistry to transform lower-value feedstocks, like waste plastics, heavy bitumen, and renewable oils, into resources for the 21st century, today announced that it issued an additional 142,180 common shares and warrants to purchase an additional 71,090 common shares, for total gross proceeds of approximately US$1.2 million, pursuant to D. Boral Capital LLC's full exercise of its underwriter's over-allotment option in connection with the Company's previously announced underwritten U.S. public offering of common shares and accompanying warrants to purchase common shares ('Offering'). The common shares issued pursuant to the over-allotment option were sold in combination with an accompanying half warrant (with each whole warrant being exercisable into one common share of the Company). Each whole warrant has an exercise price of US$10.13 per share and are exercisable immediately and will expire three years from the date of issuance. D. Boral Capital LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. Aduro intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for ongoing research and development costs, expenditures related to the construction of its 'Demonstration-Scale' plant and the remainder (if any) for general corporate purposes and working capital. The Offering was being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-10, as amended (File No. 333-287475), previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') and became effective on May 28, 2025, and the Company's Canadian short form base shelf prospectus dated May 28, 2025 (the 'Base Shelf Prospectus'). Aduro offered and sold the securities in the United States only. No securities were offered or sold to Canadian purchasers. The Base Shelf Prospectus relating to the Offering and describing the terms thereof has been filed with the applicable securities commissions in Canada and with the SEC in the United States and is available for free by visiting the Company's profiles on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at or the SEC's website at as applicable. A final prospectus supplement with the final terms was be filed with the securities regulatory authorities in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario and the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained, when available, at the SEC's website at or from D. Boral Capital LLC, Attention: 590 Madison Avenue 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by email at dbccapitalmarkets@ or by telephone at +1 212 970 5150. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company's securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offers, solicitations or sales would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About Aduro Clean Technologies Aduro Clean Technologies is a developer of patented water-based technologies to chemically recycle waste plastics; convert heavy crude and bitumen into lighter, more valuable oil; and transform renewable oils into higher-value fuels or renewable chemicals. The Company's Hydrochemolytic™ Technology relies on water as a critical agent in a chemistry platform that operates at relatively low temperatures and cost, a game-changing approach that converts low-value feedstocks into resources for the 21st century. For further information, please contact: Abe Dyck, Head of Business Development and Investor Relationsir@ 226 784 8889 KCSA Strategic CommunicationsJack Perkins, Senior Vice Presidentaduro@ D. Boral Capital 212 970 5150This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the Company's expectations regarding anticipated use of net proceeds from the Offering. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to the factors that may result in changes to the Company's anticipated use of proceeds. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section captioned "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated May 20, 2025, which is available on SEDAR+ at on EDGAR at Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and Canada.A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
