In less than 18 hours, Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Patrick Jerome Achi and over 400 delegates from 54 countries across four continents will converge at Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to kickstart the highly anticipated 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference. The four-day conference (25-28 April 2023), organised by Space in Africa in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Côte d’Ivoire, will be a significant gathering for developing and sustaining relationships with various African space and satellite industry stakeholders.

The NewSpace Africa Conference comes when Africa’s space industry is experiencing significant growth, with an ever-increasing number of countries investing in space programmes. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to unite, enabling leaders in government, academia, the commercial sector, and investors to establish new business connections and relationships to advance the industry’s agenda. 

The conference has amassed a massive turnout from 190 organisations, including representatives from ministries, space agencies, academia, the commercial sector and international organisations, quadrupling the turnout recorded during the maiden edition, which hosted 100 attendees. Thus, the 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference will host several dignitaries, including Patrick Jerome Achi, Prime Minister and Head of Government of Côte d’Ivoire; Professor Mohammed Belhocine, the AUC’s Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI); Prof. Adama Diawara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Amadou Coulibaly, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy; Mr Hambani Masheleni, AUC’s Acting Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; Dr Tidiane Ouattara, African Union Commission Space Science Expert, GMES & Africa Programme Coordinator. In addition, heads of space agencies from Angola, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe will be on the ground to provide updates to nation’s space activities. 

Furthermore, the event will provide a platform for these experts to share knowledge, exchange ideas, discuss the latest trends and innovations in the space industry, deliberate on the industry’s opportunities and challenges and identify ways to collaborate and drive innovation in Africa. Also, the delegates will feature in diverse sessions throughout the four days, including 14 keynote addresses, 21-panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, B2B matchmaking, B2C matchmaking, exhibitions and unique networking opportunities. Topics to be covered include a status update on the African space policy and strategy implementation, an overview of the African space agency, space law and policy, and the role of the private sector in advancing the industry.

Additionally, the conference will serve as a platform for developing and sustaining relationships with various African space and satellite industry stakeholders and enable leaders in government, academia, the commercial sector, and investors to establish new business connections and relationships to advance the industry’s agenda. Furthermore, participating organisations will showcase their capabilities and experience to a diverse range of attendees representing different parts of the global industry value chain.

Moreover, the conference will showcase the Startup Development programme created on the sidelines of the NewSpace Africa Conference 2023 to feature the brightest 15 local, budding startups in various stages of growth in the EO and geospatial segment. These startups will pitch their innovations, gain key industry stakeholders’ attention, and develop their ideas into minimum-viable products.

The conference will also feature an exhibition showcasing the space industry’s latest technologies, products, and services. In addition, attendees will be able to network with industry leaders and experts, explore potential business opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the space industry.

Similarly, we are pleased to announce that several esteemed media houses will be on the ground to leverage their networks to promote the conference and amplify its impact globally. Examples include Al Jazeera, Radiodiffusion télévision du Burkina, BBC AFRIQUE, Agence France-Presse, and several reputable local media outfits. Their extensive reach and expertise will help to ensure that our discussions and debates reach a wider audience and that the insights and learnings from the conference are shared with the world.

Overall, the 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference is a significant event set to shape the future of the African space industry. We look forward to seeing this exciting event’s outcomes and positive impact on the African space industry.