Africa has established a continental space agency: Here’s what it signifies

The Africa Space Agency (AfSA) opened its offices in Cairo, Egypt, this week, marking the beginning of the continent’s drive to use space science and technology for development, nine years after the African Union (AU) established a continental space strategy.

The organization unites the 55 AU member nations to further Africa’s space aspirations and is currently the second regional space agency after the European Space Agency (ESA).

Up until now, only a few nations, notably Rwanda, have maintained national space programs, making Africa’s space endeavors mainly dispersed.

The organization offers a central entity to coordinate space endeavors across AU member states, which includes enhanced global bargaining leverage, decreased duplication of effort, and shared resources, according to experts.

According to Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) CEO Gaspard Twagirayezu, “the African Space Agency’s establishment provides a continental drive in the development and utilization of space technology.”

Leading a delegation from Kigali to the inauguration, Twagirayezu vowed Rwanda’s support for AfSA, pointing out that the creation of a continental agency is anticipated to increase access to space technologies, facilitating the participation and utilization of space-based capabilities by more African countries.

“The African Space Agency will be leading continental efforts, and Rwanda, through the Rwanda Space Agency, looks forward to contributing to their success,” Twagirayezu continued.

He echoed the thoughts of ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, who considered Africa’s expanding contribution to space exploration and innovation worldwide.

“Africa’s space strategy has advanced significantly with the creation of the African Space Agency, which is a true milestone for the continent. Space can inspire creativity and invention, and I’m excited to collaborate with them for the good of people on both continents,” he said.

The agency’s launch followed the NewSpace Africa conference, which brings together international space organizations and enterprises to explore how space innovation might boost Africa’s economy.

AfSA and ESA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the conference with the goal of promoting the use of space technologies by both public and private operators while also fostering closer ties between Europe and Africa.

According to officials, there is a specific objective to enhance early warning systems for severe weather events or climate-related challenges because Africa is disproportionately impacted by climate change.

“This new regional space agency is a proud partner of ESA. Three decades have been spent working with Africa, and ESA now has a specific EOAFRICA Initiative. This collaboration will be advanced with the help of AfSA.

The new organization creates new opportunities for collaboration and regional cooperation in the development of Africa’s space ecosystem, according to Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA).

According to him, the deal between Africa and Europe is anticipated to boost technical cooperation and innovation while hastening Africa’s assimilation into the international space community.

The Africa Space Agency was founded under the auspices of the African Union Commission (AUC) with the responsibility of coordinating continental space activities, including the promotion of African space technology and the advancement of development objectives through space scientific research, innovation, and applications.

Why it is important

The commercial space industry and government space investments make up the entire space economy, which has been expanding annually.

Africa does not yet have its fair part of the niche, though.

African nations are investing more money in their space programs at an accelerating rate as they recognize the promise of space services and applications.

Currently, 19 African nations—some of which are parties to UN space treaties—have established (or are in the process of developing) national space programs.

The African Space Agency will be the main organization in charge of organizing Africa’s space collaboration with Europe and other foreign partners after it is officially launched.

The organization’s objectives include improving space missions throughout Africa and guaranteeing the best possible access to data, information, services, and goods obtained from space.

It is anticipated that the agency will seek to eradicate inefficiencies and duplication within the African space ecosystem after it has been completely included into national, regional, and continental programs.

The significance of cooperation with educational institutions, research facilities, and international space organizations was emphasized by experts.