African Space Agency Set for Official Launch at NewSpace Africa Conference 2025

 

The African Union Commission (AUC) is set to officially launch the African Space Agency (AfSA) at the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, hosted at Egypt Space City in Cairo. Following its establishment, AfSA will serve as the central organization promoting space cooperation across the continent. It will be responsible for implementing the African Space Policy and Strategy, working towards the space-related goals outlined by the African Union.

AfSA will also be the primary liaison for Africa’s collaboration with global partners, particularly Europe. One of the agency’s key goals, as defined in the African Space Agency Act, is to enhance space missions across Africa, ensuring the accessibility of space-derived data, services, and products. AfSA will help streamline space initiatives at the national, regional, and continental levels, minimizing redundancy and inefficiency. As the primary governing body, it will oversee the implementation of Africa’s space agenda, ensuring that the continent meets its objectives in this critical field.

Foundations of Africa’s Space Agenda

Africa’s continental space agenda was first set in motion during the Twenty-sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in January 2016. During this session, African Heads of State and Government adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy, providing a framework to use space technology in advancing the AU’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. The African Space Agency Act, which was approved in 2017, further solidified the legal and regulatory structure for space activities across the continent, laying the groundwork for AfSA's creation.

Building the Financial and Structural Foundations of AfSA

The formation of AfSA was the culmination of years of planning, dialogue, and financial consideration. In 2018, the AU's Committee of Permanent Representatives gathered to assess the structural and financial aspects of the agency’s establishment. These discussions aimed to ensure the agency's long-term sustainability and capacity to achieve its objectives. Key issues debated included governance, funding, and technical requirements to support Africa’s space ambitions. To address Africa’s specific needs, the AUC approved a tailored roadmap to guide AfSA’s development, setting clear strategic goals and performance indicators to ensure its contribution to the continent's socio-economic progress.

Egypt as the Host of AfSA’s Headquarters

Egypt's Space City in Cairo has been selected as the official headquarters of AfSA, positioning Egypt as a key player in Africa’s space sector. This decision was solidified through an agreement between the Egyptian government and the AUC, with Egypt’s parliament officially endorsing the presidential decree in June 2023. The 123-acre Egypt Space City is equipped to support Africa’s space exploration goals, serving as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building. Egypt’s involvement in hosting AfSA is expected to boost the local space industry, support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in space technology, and align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals for sustainable development.

Role of the African Space Council

The African Space Council, established during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, plays a key role in guiding AfSA's activities. The council consists of 10 members, with two representatives from each of Africa’s five regions. H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara from Côte d’Ivoire serves as the council's first president, while Dr. Rakiya Babamaaji from Nigeria holds the vice-presidency. Other members hail from Malawi, Namibia, Morocco, Djibouti, Rwanda, and Algeria, with an additional female representative expected to join from Central Africa to ensure gender and regional balance.

Strategic Importance of AfSA for Africa

The launch of AfSA is a pivotal moment in Africa’s efforts to leverage space-based technologies to address its challenges. Satellite data is critical for improving climate resilience, food security, natural resource management, and disaster response. With reliable access to such data, African governments can make informed decisions to mitigate the effects of climate change. AfSA also aims to enhance satellite communications and earth observation technologies to close the digital divide, improve connectivity, and expand access to education and healthcare across the continent. Furthermore, the agency seeks to promote education in space science and technology, preparing the next generation of African space professionals.

Collaboration between African governments, the private sector, international partners, and the scientific community is crucial to AfSA’s success. By fostering these partnerships, AfSA will contribute to Africa’s sustainable development and strengthen its global standing in the space industry.