The African Union Commission AUC will officially inaugurate the African Space Agency AfSA during the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, which will take place at Egypt Space City in Cairo, Egypt.
With this launch, AfSA is set to become the central body for promoting collaboration on space initiatives across the continent.
After its inauguration, AfSA will be the primary point of contact for Africa’s cooperation with Europe and other international partners.
One of its key objectives, as outlined in the African Space Agency Act, is to enhance space missions across Africa, ensuring optimal access to space derived data, information, services, and products.
Once fully integrated into national, regional, and continental programmes, AfSA will be crucial in eliminating duplication and inefficiencies within the African space ecosystem.
As the official body overseeing and coordinating these efforts, it will also be responsible for effectively implementing the African Space Policy and Strategy and achieving the continent’s space-related goals.
AfSA’s inauguration comes at a time when space-based technologies are becoming increasingly critical to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Satellite data now plays a pivotal role in supporting climate resilience, food security, natural resource management, and disaster response across the continent.
With Africa facing climate change induced droughts, floods, and deforestation, access to reliable satellite data can help African governments make informed policy decisions.
In addition, AfSA is poised to contribute to developing satellite communications and earth observation technologies that can bridge Africa’s digital divide, especially in rural and underserved areas.
This will foster connectivity, improve educational outcomes, and enhance access to healthcare services through telemedicine. AfSA also seeks to build human capacity by promoting space science and technology education.
The agency aims to train the next generation of African space scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs by working with universities, research institutions, and private sector players.
As AfSA begins its journey, its success will depend on continued collaboration between African governments, the private sector, international partners, and the scientific community.
With a robust governance structure and a clear strategic vision, AfSA is set to significantly contribute to the continent’s sustainable development and global standing in the space industry.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/10/14/african-space-agency-to-be-officially-inaugurated-at-newspace-africa-conference-2025-in-cairo/
