South Africa and Angola Strengthen Space Ties Through Landmark Implementation Plan

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the Angolan Space Programme Management Office (GGPEN) have signed an ambitious implementation plan on the sidelines of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney.

The implementation plan will lay the foundation for a roadmap of cooperation across different space segments, including:

1. Earth observation and satellite applications
2. Space situational awareness (SSA)
3. Policy and regulatory harmonisation
4. Knowledge and technology transfer
5. Industry and startup support
6. Infrastructure sharing and emerging space systems
   

This landmark development reflects the growing partnership between South Africa and Angola in advancing space capabilities across the continent, whilst reinforcing their joint commitment to promote innovation and sustainable growth within Africa’s emerging space industry.

Building on Previous Commitments

This endeavour follows the breakthrough Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in July 2025, which outlined key areas of cooperation, including:

1. Joint utilisation of telecommunications satellites, notably ANGOSAT-2
2. Exchange of knowledge and best practices in Earth observation and remote sensing
3. Development of applied space-based solutions for societal benefit
4. Human capacity building through training and technical exchange programmes
5. Support for industrial initiatives and startups within the African space sector
   

The partnership marks a pivotal moment in leveraging space technologies to drive scientific advancement and socio-economic development across both nations.