Africa EU Space Programme Launched On The Sidelines Of The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference

On the sidelines of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference held at the Egyptian Space City in Cairo, the Africa EU Space Programme was launched, signalling a renewed commitment by the European Union EU to promote sustainable development and build equitable global partnerships between both continents.

The programme launch featured key appearances from H.E. Javier Nino Perez EU Ambassador to the African Union, H.E. Moses Vilakati AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment ARBE and H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara President of the African Space Council, who gave keynote addresses.

They underscored the critical role of such partnerships in enhancing mutual benefit and driving space innovation and progress.

Additionally, a panel discussion titled the Africa EU Space Programme A Deep Dive into a Renewed Partnership shared insights on the collaborative nature of the new space based partnership.

Panellists drawn from the programme’s implementing partners underscored their commitment to collaborating to support its success.

Areas of cooperation include training and capacity building initiatives, enhancing private sector participation and EU-AU matchmaking for institutions and space marketplaces. Then, the programme was officially launched.

The programme will have three main components: advancing the green transition, strengthening institutional collaboration, and boosting private sector growth and innovation.

Possible activities include promoting institutional and industrial Africa Europe Space partnerships through possible EU-AU joint space business support schemes, capacity building, and contribution to operationalisation of the recently inaugurated African Space Agency.

The Africa EU Space Partnership Programme is a landmark initiative that underscores Africa and the EU’s shared commitment to using space technologies to promote economic growth, climate action, and digital transformation.

By building on past collaborations and introducing new investment streams, this programme will help solidify Africa’s role in the global space economy while fostering innovation and resilience across the continent.