US Launches Inaugural Space Training Initiative with African Partners
The United States has launched the inaugural U.S.-Africa Technical and Regulatory Space Training Meeting, marking a strategic expansion of American space diplomacy on the continent as Washington seeks to deepen cooperation with Africa’s rapidly growing space sector.
Senior Bureau Official (SBO) in the Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Jonathan Pratt, convened the meeting, which is the first in a series of technical and regulatory training sessions in the lead-up to the NewSpace Africa Conference, scheduled for 20-23 April 2026 in Libreville, Gabon.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen African-led space capabilities and position the United States as a long-term partner in the continent’s space development.
Empowering Locally-Owned Space Programmes
Ambassador Pratt emphasised that the United States aims to empower African nations to create locally owned, financially sound, and internationally aligned space programmes, not dependent, opaque, or controlled by outside actors. The training is designed to help African partners navigate the increasingly complex legal and commercial dimensions of space activity.
“This meeting represented the first step in the United States deepening space diplomacy on the African continent,” the U.S. State Department confirmed. Representatives agreed to work more closely together to advance responsible exploration in space and collaborate transparently and openly.
Broad African Participation
The meeting drew participation from space agencies across the continent, reflecting Africa’s growing diversity of space actors. Countries represented included Senegal, Angola, Mauritius, Djibouti, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Gabon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Rwanda, and Egypt.
On the U.S. side, officials from the Department of Defence, Department of Commerce, and the Federal Communications Commission joined the discussions, underscoring the multi-agency commitment to advancing space cooperation with African partners.
Building Toward NewSpace Africa 2026 in Gabon
The training meeting serves as a foundational step in aligning African space ambitions with international norms on safety, sustainability, and the responsible use of outer space, setting the stage for deeper collaboration at next year’s NewSpace Africa Conference in Gabon, from 20-23 April.
Join us at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026 to engage with leading space agencies, industry innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of Africa’s space ecosystem. The conference will provide a unique platform to explore partnerships, discuss regulatory frameworks, and discover opportunities in Africa’s burgeoning space sector. Be part of the conversation as the continent charts its course towards becoming a major player in global space exploration and innovation.