Africa Satellite Navigation Conference Pre-Event: Excerpts

The Government of Cabo Verde, in collaboration with SatNav Africa JPO, successfully hosted the Africa Satellite Navigation Conference Pre-Event from 16-17 July 2025 in Parque Tecnológico Arquipélago Digital de Cabo Verde. With the compelling theme “Leveraging GNSS Technology for Enhanced Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Africa,” the hybrid event drew hundreds of participants, including representatives from African and foreign governments, private sector leaders, and key stakeholders committed to advancing climate resilience through innovative space technologies.  

A Gathering of Global Leaders

The conference brought together an exceptional roster of distinguished speakers who highlighted the potential of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in addressing Africa’s pressing climate challenges. Among the prominent figures were Mr Semou Diouf, Director of SatNav Africa JPO, who set the stage for discussions on Africa’s technological future, and H.E. Amb. Carla Grijó, EU Ambassador to Cabo Verde, emphasised the importance of international cooperation in building resilient early warning systems.  

Among the notable attendees were H.E. Dr. Olavo Correia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy of Cabo Verde; H.E. Amb. Carla Grijó, EU Ambassador to Cabo Verde; H.E. Amb. Dr. Namira Negm, Director, AU-AMO; Dr Kamugisha Kazaura, Director, AUC IE; Mr Alexandre Caldas, Director and Chief of Early Warning and Data Analytics, UNEP, and Chair of UN Geospatial Network and Dr Faustino Varela Monteiro, President of Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD);

Other prominent delegates include H.E. Piotr T. (Poland), Former Executive Director to the International Monetary Fund and Former Special Advisor to The World Bank Group; H.E. Pamela Gidi Masías (Chile), Former Deputy Minister of Telecommunications of Chile and Former Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategies for DIRECTV and AT&T; Mr Nersey Rastan (UK & Belgium), Former Director of Deloitte; Dr Dário Camal (Mozambique), Senior Advisor to the Government of Mozambique; Timothy Ashong, Director General, RASCOM and Mr Semou Diouf, Director of SatNav Africa JPO. 

The Conference was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr Gilberto Correia Carvalho Silva, who articulated Cabo Verde’s vision for digital transformation and emphasised its important role in climate adaptation. His remarks set the tone for two days of intensive dialogue focused on harnessing space-based technologies to safeguard vulnerable communities.

The opening followed keynote addresses by:

• H.E. Ambassador Carla Grijó, EU Ambassador to Cabo Verde;
• Professor Saidou Madougou, Director, Education, Science and Technology, African Union Commission;
• Dr Kamugisha Kazaura, Director, Infrastructure and Energy (represented by Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, MSc, CIPM, Head of Transport Mobility, AUC Infrastructure and Energy Division);
• Mr Vincent Gabaglio, International Relations Officer, EUMETSAT;
• Mr Marco Massabo, Head of Unit, Early Warning and Risk Knowledge, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for Africa; and
• Mr Semou Diouf, Director, SatNav Africa JPO.

Deep Dives into Critical Themes  

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in nine comprehensive panel sessions, including two high-level political forums that brought together ministers and senior officials to discuss governance frameworks for climate risk management. These discussions yielded several key insights that will shape Africa’s approach to disaster preparedness in the years to come.  

The first major focus area centred on technological innovation, where experts demonstrated how advanced GNSS solutions are revolutionising real-time hazard detection. In addition, case studies illustrated how the integration of satellite navigation with Earth Observation and communication technologies can create robust multi-hazard early warning systems capable of predicting floods, droughts, and seismic events with unprecedented accuracy.  

Data integration emerged as another crucial theme, with sessions exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can process vast streams of GNSS data to generate actionable insights. Participants also examined successful implementations where these technologies have reduced warning times from days to hours, dramatically improving emergency response capabilities.  

The capacity building took centre stage in several sessions, with speakers emphasising the need for localised expertise to maximise the benefits of GNSS technology. Proposals included regional training centres, cross-border knowledge sharing initiatives, and specialised academic programs to develop Africa’s next generation of space technology experts.  

Policy discussions focused on aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Policymakers stressed the importance of harmonised regulations to facilitate seamless data sharing across borders while maintaining strict data protection standards.  

The investment dialogue revealed growing opportunities for public-private partnerships, with several financial institutions presenting innovative funding mechanisms for early warning infrastructure. In addition, private sector representatives showcased commercially viable solutions that could be rapidly scaled across the continent, while government officials outlined incentive programs to attract technology providers.  

Community engagement emerged as a recurring theme, with multiple sessions highlighting the importance of last-mile communication strategies. Experts also shared best practices for translating technical warnings into actionable community responses, emphasising culturally appropriate messaging and local response network development.  

GNSS as a Game-Changer for Disaster Preparedness  

The conference made a compelling case for GNSS technology as the backbone of modern early warning systems. Detailed presentations also demonstrated how precise positioning data enhances hazard monitoring, with examples ranging from tracking ground subsidence that precedes landslides to detecting subtle crustal movements that signal impending seismic activity.  

Furthermore, real-world applications have demonstrated how GNSS-derived data enhances warning communication systems, enabling authorities to deliver targeted alerts to specific geographic areas. This capability also proves particularly valuable in flood scenarios, where precise elevation data can predict which communities will be affected and when.  

Perhaps most importantly, discussions revealed how GNSS technology strengthens preparedness by providing emergency responders with accurate situational awareness. In addition, case studies from across Africa demonstrated how integrated systems have reduced response times, optimised resource allocation, and ultimately saved lives during recent climate emergencies.  

Launch of the GNSS4EarlyWarning Hackathon

Another key moment came with the launch announcement of the GNSS for Early Warning Hackathon 2026, a year-long innovation challenge set to run from July 2025. This initiative will also focus on developing practical GNSS applications across critical sectors:

• Drone Aviation: Creating navigation systems for emergency response drones
• Precision Agriculture: Developing drought and flood prediction tools for farmers
• Maritime Safety: Designing ship tracking systems for extreme weather conditions
• Survey & Mapping: Innovating real-time terrain monitoring solutions

In addition, participants will benefit from mentorship by leading space technology experts, hands-on support sessions, and the opportunity to transform their concepts into deployable systems. Thus, the most promising solutions will be showcased at the inaugural International Africa Satellite Navigation Conference in Dakar 2026.

Looking Ahead: The Inaugural Africa Satellite Navigation Conference in 2026

The pre-event culminated with a major announcement that set the stage for future collaboration: the inaugural International Africa Satellite Navigation Conference will convene in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. Furthermore, this declaration marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward technological self-reliance in climate adaptation.  

As participants departed Cabo Verde, they carried with them not just new knowledge and connections but a renewed sense of urgency and possibility. In addition, the conference successfully transformed abstract concepts into concrete action plans, bridging the gap between space technology and ground-level impact.  

The road to Dakar 2026 now begins, with the foundations laid in Praia serving as both a blueprint and a call to action. As climate threats also intensify across the continent, the integration of GNSS technology into Africa’s early warning infrastructure promises to be one of the most consequential developments in the region’s ongoing efforts to build a more resilient future for all its citizens.