EgSA Launches AfDev-Sat Training Programme with Engineers from 20 African Countries

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From (L-R) Dr Ayman Ahmed, Acting Senior Director of Space Programmes at EgSA, H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency, EgSA’s CEO, Dr Sherif Sedky, Deputy Secretary-General of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, Ambassador Osama Elhady and Dr Domenico De Martinis, Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Egypt at the AfDev-Sat training press briefing today

The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) has commenced a comprehensive training programme under the African Development Satellite Initiative (AfDev-Sat), welcoming 21 engineers and specialists from 20 African countries. The ten-day training program, titled “Basic Space Technology and Satellite Systems Workshop” and financially supported by the Italian government, will run from January 13 to 23. The program aims to strengthen indigenous satellite-building capabilities across Africa.

The participating countries include Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The programme’s launch was announced during a press briefing attended by key figures, including EgSA’s CEO, Dr Sherif Sedky; H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency; Dr Ayman Ahmed, Acting Senior Director of Space Programmes at EgSA; Dr Domenico De Martinis, Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Egypt; and Deputy Secretary-General of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, Ambassador Osama Elhady.

Highlights from the Opening Ceremony

Highlighting the significance of the training programme, Dr Sedky emphasised that it represents the initial step in a broader vision and ambitious plans to advance key sectors across African nations. Dr Sedky further noted that Egypt, the host nation for the African Space Agency, has completed the construction of the agency’s headquarters and facilities. In collaboration with H.E. Dr. Ouattara, Egypt is working to support his vision for a strong launch of the African Space Agency. This effort includes utilising the EgSA’s state-of-the-art facilities to benefit the continent and promote multilateral partnerships through African-led initiatives. These collaborative projects will position Africa as a significant contributor to global space development.

In his remarks, Ambassador Osama Elhady noted that the workshop highlights the fruitful partnership between the EAPD and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA). Over the years, this collaboration has aligned space science with Africa’s development priorities. For three consecutive years, we have organised satellite and space science training programmes, equipping African specialists with essential skills to meet their countries’ technological needs. Similarly, these efforts reaffirm the EAPD’s role as a catalyst for progress, empowering African nations to build resilience in critical areas.  

“Capacity-building programs, such as training, technical assistance, coaching, and resource development, lie at the heart of our efforts. These initiatives aim to create lasting impacts, driving sustainable growth across Africa. To date, the EAPD has successfully organised over 700 training programmes in sectors including finance, urban planning, agriculture, leadership, and climate resilience. We tackle challenges posed by limited resources and personnel by addressing the need for robust institutional frameworks. We bridge gaps and strengthen partnerships that benefit African communities by facilitating networks, sharing best practices, and deploying experts,” concluded Ambassador Osama Elhady.

In his address, H.E. Dr Ouattara emphasised that the African Space Agency headquarters is a magnificent facility—impressive in its design and mission to serve the continent. “Egypt’s gesture of offering these state-of-the-art facilities to Africans is unsurprising, given its leadership in driving initiatives that unite and empower our nations. In addition, this training programme, which has equipped 71 participants so far, highlights the impact of these efforts. Those who have trained here now share their knowledge, contribute to building Africa’s space policy, and promote integration and peace across the continent,” H.E. Dr Ouattara discussed.   

“I am particularly pleased to see many young women participating in this programme. Although women have historically faced underrepresentation in scientific fields, their strong representation today inspires encouragement. Your presence serves as a powerful reminder that gender equality and inclusion are crucial to achieving sustainable development and scientific advancement.  On behalf of the African youth and the broader community, I want to reiterate our gratitude to the Egyptian government and the Egyptian Space Agency for their commitment. The facilities and resources offered here provide a unique opportunity for education, innovation, and collaboration.,” concluded H.E. Dr Ouattara.

Empowering African Nations in Space Technology

Launched in 2021, the AfDev-Sat initiative, supported by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership in Development (EAPD), is hosted and facilitated by EgSA’s expert team. Furthermore, the programme underscores Egypt’s leadership in fostering regional collaboration and knowledge transfer in space technology.

The training programme covers a wide range of areas, including:  

  • Space Project Management 
  • Satellite Sub-system Design  
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools and Software Orientation 
  • Satellite Testing and Evaluation
  • Orbital Simulation and Mission Analysis  

Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as self-design sessions with technical guidance, group-based projects, and simulations of satellite systems. In addition, these activities will build expertise in satellite mission design and operations.

Since 2021, 71 engineers from 34 African countries have undergone hands-on training in various space technology techniques, including communication systems, software development, and lunar structure design. The programme aims to strengthen African capabilities by equipping trainees with the skills to manufacture similar and simulated systems in their respective countries.

The international dimension of this training is noteworthy, with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) actively contributing to the programme. ASI provided experts who joined the training team in Cairo and delivered online lessons. This initiative aligns with the broader collaborative framework pursued by the Italian government under the Mattei Plan, a EUR 7 billion cooperation strategy focused on developing human capital and implementing sustainable solutions in research, education, and capacity building.  

The Mattei Plan was highlighted earlier at the 2024 Italy-Africa Space Conference. In this context, ASI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EgSA, establishing a foundation for long-term space investments and partnerships with Italy. Additionally, ASI is engaging in discussions with AfSA to enhance the integration of cooperative activities with African countries.

Historical Context and First Training Programme

The AfDev-Sat initiative was first announced by Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, on August 28, 2019, during the Africa Space Forum at TICAD7 in Yokohama, Japan. Later that year, the initiative was further emphasised at the African Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a platform for fostering synergies among African nations in the space sector.

In response to interest from numerous African countries, EgSA hosted the inaugural AfDev-Sat training between July 25 and August 5, 2021. In this training programme, representatives from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda participated alongside EgSA engineers, which focused on designing and developing the initiative’s first satellite. This satellite is now nearing completion.

The Vision Behind AfDev-Sat

The AfDev-Sat initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader role as a key player in African space integration, exemplified by its hosting of the African Space Agency (AfSA) following its successful bid in February 2019. Furthermore, the programme is a vital component of efforts to enhance the technical capabilities of African nations, enabling them to become self-reliant in developing and operating space systems.

AfDev-Sat’s ultimate goal is to create a collaborative framework where knowledge sharing and capacity building drive innovation and independence in Africa’s burgeoning space industry. Thus, EgSA aims to bridge gaps in expertise and infrastructure across the continent by providing specialised training and fostering partnerships.