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The biggest news in the African Space Industry for August was the publication of the Space in Africa Industry Report. The report analyses the key issues involving the Africa space industry, the opportunities for businesses, new deals, satellite projects, researches, grants and partnerships. The report creates an avenue for space enthusiasts, investors, researchers, and governments to reassess their interaction with the industry and also benefit from emerging opportunities. The report predicts that the Africa Space Industry will be worth USD 10 Billion by 2024.

As the industry analysis goes live, the African space industry has also been introduced to the top ten under 30 innovators in the industry. These are the youngest, brightest and most innovative people, who without doubt, are a reflection of Africa’s enthusiasm for space activities. 

Ethiopia’s forthcoming satellite scheduled to launch in October is one of the most anticipated projects on the continent at the moment.

Projects, Announcements, Deals and Events

As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, South Africa Space Agency is using space tech to tackle the virus. South Africa’s Paratus and Gilat Telecom are also working on enhancing ISP coverage in Africa through sat tech. The International Astronomical Union has also given 20 African projects Astronomy grants to enhance solutions for the pandemic. Meanwhile, as the world commiserated with Beirut, Kenya’s RCMRD released satellite images assessing the extent of the explosion. In another incendiary incidence, Algeria has been monitoring fresh forest fires using the AlSat-1B satellite. For Nigeria, the country is using satellite data to monitor flooding incidences in the country as it signs a new agreement with India on outer-space exploration. 

To facilitate knowledge sharing during the pandemic, South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory has launched an e-Learning platform for enthusiasts. Similarly, Copernicus Data has been made accessible for African institutions in an EU-AU partnership. Egypt has also launched the Space Summer School program for enthusiasts in the country. As capacity development is on the rise in Africa, a new report has revealed that African Private EO and Geospatial Companies Employ Over 3,400 People. 

In Egypt, the government launched a centre to monitor building violations using satellite images. In Ghana, however, Grow for Me and Solidaridad are using Satellite Imageries to provide funding opportunities for farmers. In Nigeria, Epinec Ltd is launching a satellite-based monitoring infrastructure.

At administrative levels, the Angolan Space Agency gets a new office, Egypt extends the appointment of Egypt Space Agency CEO, Pontsho Maruping becomes Deputy MD of SARAO, Ethiopia renews agreement with IAU for office space, South Africa set to build a Space Hub, Egypt launches centre for spatial data infrastructure, as the SCS group faces a restructuring. 

New agreements have also been signed across the continent as Azercosmos and iSAT seal Agreement to Provide Satellite Services in Africa, Egyptian Space Agency enters Agreement with UNISEC-Japan, Arabsat and Airbus partner to build Multi-Mission Satellite, five African Projects benefit UK Space for Sustainable Development’s £3.4 Million funding, ST Engineering iDirect partners with Paratus and KNS To Connect Mining Vessels In Guinea. 

Across the continent, various discussions and events held to accentuate space activities on the continent. Over 1600 presentations were made at the Technical programme of International Astronautical Congress (IAC). In anticipation of the World Radiocommunications Conference, African leaders also met virtually to discuss projections for the continent. 

Some professionals in the African space industry have shared their views on different projects on the continent. AUC Space expert, Dr Tidiane Ouattara spoke on the progress of the African Space Agency, Prof Melvin Hoare gives insight on the importance of the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project to the continent. Dr Abimbola Alale talks about Nigeria’s Satellite Communications ambitions, Susan Murabana shares insights on astronomy, NASRDA’s scientific officer seeks curriculum update across the continent, a view which Chidinma Iroka shares. 

Articles

SpaceX’s projects could have been launched from Africa, Space in Africa’s Editor analyses the reason for this colossal miss. Satellites are important for landlocked countries in Africa and an analysis of that can be read here. Kenya recently instituted an ICT policy that may be harmful to ICT development. Nigeria’s space policy is running late on its promises, yet has made commendable successes, here is a story on it. Meanwhile, it is important now, more than ever for countries to adopt a universal space policy. 

Financial reports

As the financial year moves to a close, Nilesat Reports USD 63.79 Million Revenue in H1 2020 Earnings Report, while Eutelsat Reports €98.2 million In Revenue From Africa In FY 2019-20 Results. 

As the industry continues to grow, we at Space in Africa will continue to work assiduously to keep you updated on industry trends and growth.