Day Three Of The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference Event Excerpts

The third day of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference built on the success of the previous days to continue high level discussions highlighting the experiences and uptake of space innovation, technologies, and applications among different stakeholders.

The fourth head of the space agency panel featured Amin Mestar, Secretary General, Algerian Space Agency, Prof Ouattara Frédéric, Former Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, Burkina Faso, Mohamed A. Ismail, Director, Space and Satellite, Ministry of Communication and Technology, Somalia and Dr Doreen Agaba, Technical Lead of the Department of Aeronautics and Space Science, Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Uganda.

Mr Amin provided an overview of the country’s ongoing space activities, particularly on capacity building.

A key priority remains the maintenance of operational capabilities across space systems, including satellite operations, data production and exploitation, and image calibration processes.

He noted that Algeria focuses on key application areas such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and satellite-based positioning and navigation.

Among its recent initiatives is using satellite imagery for environmental monitoring, including assessing regions affected by forest fires.

In addition to mapping affected areas, satellite data has been used to develop risk maps identifying regions potentially vulnerable to future outbreaks.

The country is also leveraging hyperspectral satellite data to study the spatial distribution of pure elements and to detect the presence of rare metals such as tungsten, thereby contributing to the strategic management of natural resources.

Algeria is establishing a permanent mechanism for monitoring and evaluating cereal crop seasons using satellite imagery in agriculture.

This initiative is supported through targeted staff training and technical capacity building, ensuring sustained expertise in geospatial agricultural monitoring.

Professor Ouattara Frédéric from Burkina Faso highlighted that the country is focusing on renovating its round station, particularly ahead of the launch of its first satellite, BurkinaSat-1.

Additionally, he noted that capacity building and training of personnel on the ground station software and other space related activities are essential to the success of its space programme.

Professor Ouattara also outlined that the country is investing in GNSS equipment and technology while also training students in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVS operations.

Mohamed Ismail shared the history and vision of Somalia’s Space and Satellite Department, which was officially established in 2023 under the Ministry of Communication and Technology.

The department was created with a clear mandate: to develop Somalia’s satellite technology and space sciences capacity while enabling international partnerships to accelerate progress.

He recognised Turkey as Somalia’s most consistent and action-oriented space partner, providing critical support in areas such as training, infrastructure development, and strategic planning.

Somalia is also advancing collaborations with the Egyptian Space Agency EGSA, the Israeli Space Agency ISA, and the Chinese government to facilitate technical assistance and knowledge exchange.

Framing space as a practical problem solving tool, Ismail noted that an early assessment identified several pressing national challenges, chief among them, maritime security issues, including illegal fishing, persistent drought, and broader security concerns.

Satellite imagery was underscored as a crucial asset in responding to these issues, enabling more effective monitoring and decision-making.

The strategic objectives of Somalia’s space programme are fourfold to develop a national space framework, to establish foundational infrastructure, to engage the Somali private sector, and to empower academic and research institutions.

Looking ahead, the country envisions the eventual establishment of a satellite launch base and the execution of its own satellite missions in cooperation with trusted international partners.

Dr Doreen from Uganda presented an overview of the country’s space journey, tracing the establishment of its space initiatives and highlighting current operations.

A central focus has been the renovation of a 32-metre dish antenna, which is being repurposed as a research and development facility to support space science activities.

This effort is complemented by developing laboratories and ground stations to build a sustainable technical base.

Adopting a collaborative and forward looking approach, Uganda used its presentation to launch an open call for partnerships in the space ecosystem across six key areas, such as ground station optimisation.

Ana discussed the importance of building on historical capabilities and market intelligence to shape a standardised range of satellite products that can serve diverse applications.

Drawing parallels to the Sentinel series, she explained their strategy of leveraging high quality supply chains and focusing on versatility.

Reflecting on her journey from engineer to manager, she pointed out how personal passion has driven her career progression.

AAC Clyde Space shared insights on fostering innovation, pointing to how enabling environments can nurture emerging companies and talent.

They stressed the importance of sustaining this trend, particularly as Africa’s NewSpace ecosystem evolves.

Cubespace concluded with a forward looking perspective, acknowledging that African innovation is increasingly shaping global space manufacturing.

The company has benefited directly and indirectly from funding and is actively exploring opportunities across the continent.

Their growth strategy involves three pillars scaling production to reduce lead times, investing in R&D, particularly for actuators suited for larger spacecraft, and expanding internationally.

They also called for a mindset shift, encouraging the continent to recognise and assert itself as a market and a global contributor, setting a benchmark for other African companies to follow.