The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), hosted in Milan, Italy, from October 14 to 18, 2024, brought together over 11,000 delegates from 96 countries, making it the premier global event for space professionals. Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), this year’s congress, themed “Responsible Space for Sustainability,” saw a significant presence from the African space community, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in the global space industry.
Africa’s Strong Representation at IAC 2024
Several African delegates attended the event, showcasing the continent’s dedication to advancing its space capabilities. Government representatives, heads of space agencies, entrepreneurs, and students from countries, including Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe, were present, along with key figures like H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council and representatives from the South African Department of Science and Innovation. These representatives played crucial roles in discussions on international cooperation, space policy, and fostering partnerships to enhance Africa’s space programmes.
African countries utilised the IAC platform to negotiate, collaborate, and advance their space ambitions, laying the foundation for future growth in the industry. In addition, these delegations engaged in high-level meetings to foster international partnerships, secure collaborative agreements, and advance their respective national space programmes. Furthermore, the participation of African space policy-makers and industry leaders demonstrated the continent’s commitment to expanding its role in the global space sector. Africa’s presence at the IAC has become more pronounced in recent years as countries on the continent increasingly invest in space technology to address developmental challenges and enhance critical sectors of their economy.
Showcasing Africa’s Space Innovation
Africa’s innovation was also showcased at the IAC, where several leading commercial space companies presented their latest innovations. These companies are pioneering space technology development and expanding Africa’s influence in the global space market. Some of the African NewSpace companies present included:
- CubeSpace: A specialist in small satellite systems, CubeSpace displayed its advanced CubeSat components and platforms. Its high-precision attitude control systems, now deployed in over 300 satellites worldwide, are widely used in small global satellite missions, contributing to critical Earth observation and communication applications. In addition, CubeSpace’s technology is utilised by leading space agencies and commercial satellite operators worldwide.
- NewSpace Systems: This South African company has established itself as a leader in manufacturing high-quality space components and subsystems, focusing on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) products for small satellites. NewSpace Systems has gained a strong foothold in the international space market and currently exports to over 8,000 to over 100 clients across 33 countries and six continents, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Furthermore, its products support various missions, including Earth observation and satellite communications, making it a key player in the growing small satellite industry.
- Simera Sense: A leader in high-resolution optical payloads for small satellites, Simera Sense presented its latest imaging technologies at the IAC. Its optical systems are used in Earth observation satellites for precision agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management applications. In addition, Simera Sense has been rapidly growing since 2018, with 20 optical payloads currently in orbit, 40 payloads ready for launch, and 70 more to be produced over the next 12 months. Headquartered in Belgium and with offices in South Africa, Toulouse, and Glasgow, the company is at the forefront of innovation in the EO sector.
- SCS Space is a space engineering systems bureau specialising in advanced satellite technology solutions. The company is best described as a mission partner and technology integrator, delivering value-added technical solutions. Through its nano-satellite technology programme, SCS Space actively supports several constellation missions, offering product assurance and online training to its mission partners.
- Other companies present include ZASPACE, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Africa Space Innovation Centre, Aerospace Systems Research Institute, Kombuta, Space in Africa, Omarichet Space, and Digital Earth Africa. These companies demonstrated Africa’s capacity for space innovation and highlighted the continent’s increasing contributions to the global space industry. In addition, their technologies are now integral to various missions, cementing Africa’s role as an emerging force in space technology development.
Key Announcements from Africa at IAC 2024
Key announcements during the congress reinforced Africa’s growing role in the space sector.
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Cairo to Host NewSpace Africa Conference in 2025
Dr Sherif Sedky, EgSA’s CEO and H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council, officially announced that Cairo, Egypt, will host the NewSpace Africa Conference from April 21 to 24, 2025. Organised by Space in Africa in collaboration with the African Space Agency (AfSA) and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), the conference will gather prominent stakeholders from academia, space agencies, and the commercial space sector. In addition, the NewSpace Africa Conference will serve as a central forum for addressing the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s space sector, focusing on satellite manufacturing, Earth observation, satellite connectivity, and navigation.
Furthermore, the conference aims to facilitate critical discussions on policy formulation, business strategies, and the development of Africa’s space industry. With increasing investments in space infrastructure and technology, the conference is expected to attract significant international attention, providing a platform for African nations to showcase their growing space capabilities.
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Inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA)
H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency, announced that the official inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA) will take place during the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo. The establishment of AfSA is a landmark development for the African space community, as it will serve as the continent’s central body for coordinating space initiatives, facilitating collaboration, and representing Africa in global space governance.
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- Furthermore, AfSA will be critical in implementing the African Space Policy and Strategy and ensuring that African countries benefit from space-derived data, products, and services. In addition, it will also streamline efforts to reduce redundancy and inefficiencies in Africa’s space programmes. Therefore, by centralising Africa’s space efforts, AfSA will strengthen the continent’s position in international space cooperation, particularly with Europe and other global partners.
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Revival of the Kenya-Italy Space Centre
Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprise, announced plans to revive the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi, Kenya. The minister announced this during a press conference in Milan on Sunday, 13th October, the eve of the 75th IAC. The centre, a historical spaceport used for satellite launches, will resume operations to support the launch of Earth observation satellites, particularly for climate monitoring. Furthermore, the partnership between the Italian and Kenyan governments will focus on training Kenyan scientists, engineers, and students, building local capacity in satellite technology.
The spaceport’s revival is part of Italy’s broader strategy to expand space partnerships in Africa, emphasising sustainable development.
Africa’s Involvement in Key Discussions
African delegates actively participated in discussions on critical issues shaping the global space industry throughout the IAC. In addition, their participation underscored Africa’s commitment to expanding its space governance and policy-making role. For instance, Dr Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency and Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), spoke in a panel discussion on space programmes for emerging nations. He emphasised the importance of partnerships between international organisations, space agencies, and commercial entities in developing sustainable space programmes for emerging economies. In addition, he also addressed how these partnerships can help countries in Africa and other regions build self-sustaining space ecosystems.
Similarly, H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council, participated in the inaugural Space Leaders Meeting on the sidelines of the IAC, discussing the need for sustainable development of space capabilities. Furthermore, his remarks focused on how limited space resources could challenge global cooperation and emphasised the need for equitable access to space for developing nations, including those in Africa.
Artemis Accords Meeting at IAC 2024
On the sidelines of the 75th IAC, representatives from the Artemis Accords signatory nations, including Angola and Rwanda, convened to discuss thematic areas centred around ensuring that the Accord delivers optimal benefits for all parties involved. The meeting aimed to evaluate best practices and establish responsible and sustainable space exploration guidelines.
Africa’s role in the Artemis Accords continues growing, with Angola, Nigeria, and Rwanda being the three African countries officially signing the Accords. The Artemis Accords, a set of principles governing the civil exploration and use of outer space, serve as a framework for peaceful and sustainable exploration efforts. For African nations, these principles provide a platform for collaborative dialogue and ensure their participation in the responsible exploration of outer space in line with global standards.
During the meeting, participants underscored the importance of shared responsibility in space exploration, particularly concerning the sustainable use of outer space resources. They further emphasised the role of the Artemis Accords in establishing norms of behaviour that guide civil space exploration. The dialogue reinforced the commitment of all signatory countries to uphold these values, creating a collaborative environment for future space activities.
Dialogue Between the Italian Space Agency and African Space Agencies
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) representatives met with African space agency leaders to explore frameworks for enhanced space cooperation. This high-level meeting focused on space agreements and strategies for collaborative programmes to advance space development in African countries. Building on the momentum of previous meetings, such as the Italy-Africa Summit in January 2024 and the Italy-Africa Space Conference in July 2024, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. Both meetings sought to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships between Italy and Africa.
The discussions revolved around identifying new areas of cooperation within the Mattei Plan, an initiative aimed at supporting African countries through development programmes, with space exploration as a critical component. Both parties explored potential joint ventures and space-related projects that could enhance African countries’ space capabilities, focusing on technological exchange, capacity building, and scientific research.
Through these dialogues, Italian and African space agencies aim to foster sustained collaboration, emphasising the value of mutual benefit and innovation. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape future space missions and partnerships between African countries and Italy, providing a robust framework for the growth of Africa’s space sector within the global space ecosystem.
Italian Support Elevates African Youth and SMEs at IAC 2024
With the backing of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research, 14 Fellows—young professionals and students from 11 African nations—attended the IAC 2024 in Milan. This group included nine women and five men representing Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
In addition to these emerging talents, 12 African SMEs and startups were invited to showcase their innovations globally. These companies, ranging from aerospace engineering to satellite solutions, included TELNET HOLDING (Tunisia), Phymer (Morocco), Galaxy Aerospace Ghana, Xavier Space Solutions (Ghana), DO-Launch (Egypt), Davacc Tech (Kenya), Team AHEAD (Rwanda), KM-Spatial (Zimbabwe), COFITEL (Tunisia), BASSEER Technology Innovation Sarl (Algeria), FARIS Technologies (Ethiopia) and Pegasus Universal Aerospace (South Africa).
This opportunity was facilitated by collaboration between ASI and the Italian Trade Agency (Agenzia ICE/ICE Agency). The partnership allowed these SMEs to gain total exposure at the IAC, where they participated in business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking events and gained insights into the latest advancements across various space sectors. The companies were hosted in a large exhibition area that allowed them to engage with potential international partners and discuss innovations and projects that could shape the future of the African and global space economy. Moreover, the involvement of African SMEs and young professionals at the IAC 2024 reflects Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which aims to promote greater inclusivity and enhance opportunities for African youth in science, technology, and space industries. The Mattei Plan underscores Italy’s dedication to deepening ties with African nations through technical and commercial collaborations, ensuring that emerging African players are integrated into global space dialogues.
The ICE Agency, in its continued efforts to foster international partnerships, also hosted key African space policymakers and heads of space agencies. This strategic approach provided African nations a platform to further discussions on policy collaboration and explore models for strengthening their space programs. The combination of technical, academic, and business engagements ensured that African participants gained valuable exposure to leading global space developments while fostering future cooperation between Africa and Italy.
Tunisia’s Statement at the IAF Global Space Leaders Summit
Professor Kamel Besbes, a prominent figure in Electronics and Microelectronics at the Center for Research in Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (CRMN), delivered Tunisia’s official statement during the IAF Global Space Leaders Summit on the conference’s second day. In the address, Professor Besbes emphasised Tunisia’s strategic focus on leveraging space applications to address critical national priorities, including agriculture, marine environmental protection, land use planning, transport, climate change mitigation, and national security. He highlighted how Tunisia views space as a tool for enhancing sectors fundamental to the country’s sustainable development.
Tunisia’s commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of near and deep space was a central point in the statement. Professor Besbes underlined the importance of open access to space data and the role of international cooperation in ensuring that space technologies benefit not only spacefaring nations but also emerging users and interested countries.
He also spoke on Tunisia’s focus on scientific research and technological advancements gained through its participation in space initiatives. Cooperation with Italian, African, and international partners at the bilateral and multilateral levels was framed as a key pillar in Tunisia’s strategy to advance its space capabilities. This collaborative approach has allowed Tunisia to engage with the global space community while contributing to significant technological and scientific advancements.
Conclusion
Africa’s participation in the 75th International Astronautical Congress underscored the continent’s growing role in the global space industry. With representation from government officials, commercial space companies, and emerging space professionals, Africa showcased its commitment to advancing its space capabilities and fostering international collaborations. In addition, the announcements made at the congress, notably the NewSpace Africa Conference 2025 and the inauguration of AfSA, mark significant milestones in Africa’s space journey.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/10/18/africas-participation-at-the-75th-iac-in-milan/
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