African Union’s Perspectives on Space Capabilities for Sustainability on Earth

H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council, emphasised the importance of global cooperation to ensure sustainability in space and on Earth during his address at the inaugural Space Leaders meeting at the ongoing 75th International Astronautics Congress (IAC) in Milan. His remarks come at a crucial moment for Africa’s burgeoning space sector, with the formal launch of the African Space Agency (AfSA).

The African Space Agency (AfSA), an African Union (AU) organ, is dedicated to promoting, coordinating, and advising on space science and technology across the continent. H.E. Dr Ouattara highlighted the agency’s mission to foster international partnerships while providing regulatory guidance as Africa’s space economy rapidly expands. Projections estimate that the sector will reach USD 23 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for space services to address the continent’s digital divide, environmental challenges, and climate change.

“The African space economy is growing faster than the continent’s GDP, and the space industry is already creating jobs, employing around 20,000 people across Africa,” H.E. Dr Ouattara said. He added that many African countries have already established national space policies and strategic frameworks, while regional blocs continue to formulate policies to guide the advancement of space programmes. The African Space Policy and Strategy serves as a continental guide for these activities, ensuring a sustainable, human-centric approach.

In addition, H.E. Dr Ouattara also stressed the need for sustainability in developing space capabilities, which aligns with the United Nations’ definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” He noted growing concerns from emerging space-faring nations, including those in Africa, about limited space resources and the potential challenges this poses to global cooperation.

Referring to the G20 Space Economy Leaders Declaration issued in Brazil, H.E. Dr Ouattara underscored the importance of preserving the long-term sustainability of outer space. He called on space agencies to share expertise, particularly in monitoring climate change impacts, and exchange best practices to support decision-making processes. The African Space Agency, he said, will strengthen collaboration within the Global South and between the Global South and Global North to further the sustainable use of space.

“Through initiatives like GMES & Africa, the AU and EU, in partnership with ESA, EUMETSAT, and the JRC, have demonstrated the power of collaboration,” he stated. The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa (GMES & Africa) programme has established a network of over 170 African institutions from 45 countries, providing marine, coastal, and land management services. Similarly, over 10,000 scientists and policymakers have been trained, enhancing Africa’s capacity in Earth Observation (EO) data and services.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Dr Ouattara invited the global space community to participate in the inauguration of the African Space Agency, scheduled for April 20, 2025, at AfSA’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. In addition, other events, including the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference from April 21 to 24, 2025, and the Africa Space Solutions Market in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from June 5 to 9, 2025, will hold after the inauguration.

With Africa’s space sector on a path to becoming a major global player, H.E. Dr Ouattara’s address at the IAC reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to leveraging space for sustainable development and fostering international partnerships to ensure a prosperous future for space exploration and Earth.