Latest news with #AfricanSpaceAgency
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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 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.
First Post
25-05-2025
- Science
- First Post
Africa Launches First Space Agency in Egypt's Cairo Firstpost Africa
Africa Launches First Space Agency in Egypt's Cairo | Firstpost Africa | N18G Africa Launches First Space Agency in Egypt's Cairo | Firstpost Africa | N18G Africa has officially launched its first continental space agency in Cairo — a major step in the continent's growing space ambitions. The African Space Agency, established under the African Union, will coordinate national space programs, launch satellites, and improve climate and weather monitoring. With over 60 satellites launched by 18 African countries so far — all from outside the continent — this agency marks a turning point. From boosting disaster response to building data-sharing systems, the goal is to strengthen Africa's space infrastructure. Could this be the start of a new space era for Africa? Watch the full report. See More
Business Insider
20-05-2025
- Science
- Business Insider
Africa launches first space agency in Cairo to bridge satellite data divide
Africa has officially launched its first continental space agency in a major step toward improving climate resilience, satellite infrastructure, and data-sharing across the region. Africa has launched its first continental space agency, the African Space Agency (AfSA), headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. AfSA aims to improve climate resilience, satellite infrastructure, and facilitate data-sharing across Africa. Global funding reductions challenge the initiative, but collaboration with entities like the European Space Agency supports training and knowledge exchange. The African Space Agency (AfSA), established under the African Union (AU), opened its doors last month in Cairo, Egypt. It marks a critical development for a continent grappling with the disproportionate impacts of climate change, while also striving to catch up with global advancements in space technology and Earth observation. Several African countries have launched satellites that play key roles in agriculture, climate monitoring, communications, and disaster response, but none have been launched from African soil. The agency aims to strengthen Africa's space infrastructure by launching satellites, establishing weather stations, and ensuring that vital data is accessible across the continent and internationally, Bloomberg reported. Meshack Kinyua, a space engineer and an African space policy veteran who now oversees capacity-building at the agency, said the space efforts in Africa have been disorganised, but the new African Space Agency will help coordinate them better. It allows all African Union countries to access shared space data based on their specific needs, creating more efficiency and fairness. AfSA's launch comes at a time when global funding streams are drying up. The Trump-era dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) significantly cut back support for climate and satellite-related programs on the continent. Among the casualties was SERVIR, a flagship joint initiative between USAID and NASA that provided vital Earth observation tools to developing countries. The African Space Agency is working with the European Space Agency to train professionals and exchange knowledge, especially in satellite development and data processing. Rising space ambitions Cairo launched Africa's first satellite in 1998. By the end of 2022, the continent had successfully launched at least 52 satellites, according to consulting firm Space Hubs Africa. More than 20 African countries have established their space agencies, with 18 of them launching a total of 63 satellites. The continent plans to more than triple the number of satellites sent into orbit over the next few years. The African Union funds the African Space Agency on a project-by-project basis. Africa's early space pioneers, such as Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, took many years to set up their agencies and begin operations because they started from scratch. 'It shouldn't take that long now that many African countries have space experience, and hopefully the best outcome is that new countries can look at existing examples and coordinate to go faster,' Danielle Wood, an associate professor who directs the Space Enabled Research Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said. The global space economy is worth about $469 billion, while the African space industry, valued at $19.49 billion in 2021, is projected to grow by 16.16% to $22.64 billion by 2026.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-04-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Embassy in Cairo Concludes Participation in 2025 New Space Africa Conference
Rana Atef On Wednesday, the US Embassy in Cairo celebrated the conclusion of its activities at the 2025 New Space Africa Conference, marking a week of collaboration on space exploration. The Embassy hosted a press conference featuring representatives from leading space technology firms, who reflected on their participation in the conference and explored opportunities for future cooperation with the Egyptian government. Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy Ruben Harutunian opened the conference, stating, 'It's an honor to welcome you to this press conference, which demonstrates the United States' commitment to partnering with Egypt and African nations in exploring space and leveraging technology to reach new frontiers.' He emphasized the significance of the week's events, including the launch of the African Space Agency in Cairo, noting that it provided a platform to showcase US engagement in both government and private sector initiatives. US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa Garg highlighted the contributions of American companies to the space sector, saying, 'American companies are pioneering state-of-the-art technologies that benefit society by keeping us connected. As space entrepreneur Jeff Bezos recently said, it is this generation's job to build a road to space so that future generations can unleash their creativity.' She underlined the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation, creating economic opportunities, and fostering prosperity for future generations. Juan Caro, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Space Affairs at NOAA, praised the technological capabilities of the U.S. and its global partnerships, describing them as beneficial to the entire world. Speaking on satellite technology and national security, Dr. Rao Ramayanam, International, HawkEye 360, explained that analyzing radio signals from space can aid in identifying illegal activities, as well as improving forecasting in areas like agriculture and weather. He also touched on the integration of artificial intelligence in satellite systems, which can help monitor illegal fishing and pollution. 'These technologies help African nations track illicit activities linked to violence,' he added. On his side, Michael Paluzsek, President of Princeton Satellite Systems, highlighted the efforts to expand opportunities for Egyptian students and professionals, especially women, in STEM fields. "We're collaborating on a variety of cutting-edge technologies—from large launch vehicles and nuclear fusion propulsion to AI systems for space operations. Egypt is already active in some of these areas, and we want to work closely with Egyptian engineers and scientists,' he said. He also pointed out that there is an Egyptian researcher in the firm, Laila Mohsen. 'I've worked on a wide range of projects, from machine learning for power electronics to electromagnetic launches. I really appreciated the level of supervision and mentorship. I'm currently back for a temporary position, but I want to return full-time to learn more and bring that knowledge back to Egypt. I want to help build a stronger space sector at home,' Mohsen told SEE News. Regarding the future of such advanced technologies in Egypt, Abdikadir Awabdi, Astranis, emphasized Egypt's unique geographic position, which is ideal for telecommunications and satellite services. 'We are aiming to build operational infrastructure in less than two years—a process that usually takes much longer. Egypt is a gateway for our future space operations,' he noted. He expressed the desire to see more Egyptian women represented in the space sector and highlighted the importance of local talent in driving innovation. Ramayanam reiterated their commitment to training and capacity-building in partner countries. 'Only a few people get to go to space, but many can benefit from the data collected. We're focused on helping governments make the most of this data through training and technology transfers,' he explained. Paluzsek added that one initiative underway is the potential distribution of educational software for spacecraft design in Egypt. 'We're negotiating with a local company to become our official distributor. This software will help students and professionals gain hands-on experience with spacecraft systems,' he said. He also noted the role of compact nuclear fusion in supporting food security. 'A small fusion reaction can produce about half a megawatt of power—ideal for agricultural zones lacking electricity. 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Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
African Space Agency celebrates official inauguration, joining global push for space innovation
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Africa has taken a giant leap into the global space arena with the official inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA), signaling the continent's commitment to space exploration and technological advancement. The inauguration ceremony was held on April 20 at the agency's permanent headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Dignitaries from across Africa and the global space community, including representatives from the African Union Commission, national governments, and international space agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the Italian Space Agency were in attendance, Egypt Today reported. Government officials say the inauguration will help bring vital space-based services to the African continent. "We aspire for internet services to extend to cover all parts of the African continent, and for the agency to contribute to digitizing governmental and service institutions, enhancing performance efficiency and bringing services closer to the citizen," said Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, according to the Jerusalem Post. Established under the African Union's Agenda 2063, AfSA aims to coordinate and implement Africa's space ambitions, focusing on areas such as Earth observation, satellite development, and space science to support socio-economic development across the continent. Other space agency leaders hailed the inauguration and what it means for the continent. "The establishment of the African Space Agency is a real milestone for the continent and signals an important advance for Africa's space strategy," Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the ESA said in a statement commemorating the inauguration. "Space has the power to spur innovation and inspiration, and I look forward to working together for the benefit of citizens on both continents." The AfSA has been in development since 2015, with the African Union Commission adopting an African space policy and strategy in 2016. "ESA is proud to [be] partnering with this new regional space agency," Marco Ferrazzani, ESA Director of Internal Services, said in the statement. "Collaboration with Africa dates back three decades and today ESA even runs a dedicated EOAFRICA Initiative. With AfSA, this cooperation will be brought up to the next level." The inauguration coincided with the commencement of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, bringing together over 500 delegates from more than 64 countries to discuss the future of space innovation and collaboration in Africa.
