Sidelines from the National Space Conference: SANSA Signs Collaboration Agreement with Ghana
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) have signed a collaboration agreement. This agreement concludes a highly productive week-long African Heads of Space Agencies meeting at the National Space Conference 2024. Mr Mudau, the CEO of SANSA, and Dr Joseph Bremang Tandoh, the director of GSSTI, signed the agreement.
The agreement, signed by representatives from both nations, outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation in various critical areas. These include maritime domain awareness, mining applications, agricultural development, Infrastructure enhancement, joint space missions and space industry development. Both countries will leverage the strengths of their space programs. Additionally, this will foster innovation and knowledge exchange in these key sectors.
Stakeholders view the collaboration as a key step toward achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and integrated continent led by its citizens. Furthermore, by pooling resources and expertise, African space agencies play a pivotal role in addressing continental challenges. Additionally, they pave the way for significant economic growth through space technology, instilling hope and optimism in the industry.
Summary of the National Space Conference (NSC) 2024
The NSC 2024 brought together several heads of African space agencies, who participated in a series of panel discussions, technical sessions, and keynote addresses. These activities aligned with the conference theme of “Space Science and Innovation for Sustainability. ” They also emphasised and discussed the critical role of space science and earth observation technologies in enhancing key decision-making processes that drive economic, environmental, and societal impact.
The collaboration agreement between SANSA and GSSTI is one of the many key outputs of the space conference. In addition, stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions and collaborative talks, and more initiatives and collaborations are expected to follow. This will prove to be a key contributor to the African space ecosystem.