Egypt, Somalia Sign MoU with China’s LASAC to Strengthen Satellite Imagery Applications

Egypt and Somalia have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Satellite Remote Sensing Application Centre under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China to leverage satellite data for economic development. Represented by the Somalia Space and Satellite Department and the Egyptian Space Agency, the parties formally signed the agreements during the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026, held in Libreville, Gabon, on 20th April 2026.

The agreement is set to strengthen cooperation in satellite imagery applications, promote knowledge exchange, drive innovation, and enhance the use of space-based data for sustainable development, further advancing collaboration and reinforcing the role of space in Africa’s growth.

“The Space and Satellite Department of Somalia will serve as the primary repository for receiving raw satellite imagery from LASAC, and will be responsible for analysing and distributing tailored insights to academia and relevant government ministries based on their specific needs,” stated Mohammed Abubakara Ismail, Director of the Space and Satellite Department of Somalia.