Advancing Institutional Cooperation at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026
The NewSpace Africa Conference continues to serve as a premier platform for formulating regional partnerships and facilitating deal-making opportunities that propel the African space industry forward. The fifth edition of the conference, held in Libreville, Gabon, from 20 to 23 April 2026, reaffirmed this role, as organisations and key stakeholders across the space ecosystem actively engaged in building collaborations and advancing strategic initiatives.
This was exemplified by a range of initiatives, including MoU signings and bilateral meetings with organisations from several countries. Over the four days of the conference, these engagements translated into the following agreements:
AGEOS Signs MoU with the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM)
The Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM) to advance cooperation in satellite communications and geospatial development. Furthermore, the partnership is expected to enhance data-driven solutions, improve connectivity, and accelerate the growth of space technologies across the continent, contributing to a stronger foundation for Africa’s digital and space future.
GGPEN Angola Partners with AGEOS Through MoU
The Angolan Management Office for the National Space Program (GGPEN) further strengthened its institutional cooperation by signing an agreement with the Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations. The collaboration aims to advance joint efforts in space exploration and satellite data sharing, building on Angola’s plans to acquire a high-resolution satellite, ANGEO-1.
STAR.VISION and RIIS Sign MoU to Advance AI Satellite Technology
STAR.VISION, a global leader in space computing and advanced AI satellite technology, and RIIS (Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability), a Johannesburg-based strategy and innovation firm that has been building Africa’s space and technology ecosystems from the ground up, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deploy satellite-based monitoring solutions focused specifically on mining areas.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 NewSpace Africa Conference. The partnership brings together STAR.VISION’s cutting-edge constellation of optical, SAR, and hyperspectral satellites, capable of 300 km single-pass coverage and on-board AI processing, with RIIS’s analytical expertise and established track record in actionable policy and implementation frameworks in Africa.
Egypt, Somalia Sign MoU with China’s LASAC to Strengthen Satellite Imagery Applications
Egypt and Somalia 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. Additionally, 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.
AGEOS Signed an MoU with the University of Energy and Natural Resources
In addition, the Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS) signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana to advance collaboration in space development. The agreement will reportedly focus on capacity development in downstream applications, with an emphasis on strengthening the use of space-based data for decision-making. The University of Energy and Natural Resources has a strong track record in capacity building for sustainable land management and economic development, including through the establishment of the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, with key applications in leveraging Earth observation for natural capital monitoring.
Axelspace Showcases the Newly Signed Addis Ababa Declaration at the NewSpace Africa Conference
Building on the Addis Ababa Declaration signed on April 17, 2026, Axelspace Corporation chose the NewSpace Africa Conference in Libreville as the first platform to showcase the initiative, recognising the conference’s strategic importance in convening key stakeholders across Africa’s space ecosystem. The showcase also reflects Axelspace’s commitment to sustained dialogue and transparent global progress reporting on the initiative.
Key Sideline Events at the 2026 NewSpace Africa Conference
BDI Engages with NewSpace Industry in Libreville
Germany’s BDI NewSpace Initiative, in collaboration with the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and MEDEF International, co-hosted a roundtable discussion to further explore Africa–Europe space partnerships and unlock new opportunities.
The roundtable brought together key participants from the NewSpace Africa Conference, including Teddy Soobramanien (PhD, Law), Jean-François Bureau, Adriana Marais, and Gabriele Redigonda, who highlighted the rapid development of Africa’s space market, driven by innovative companies and growing demand for satellite-based applications such as connectivity, Earth observation, and climate monitoring. The discussions also underscored the initiative’s aim of strengthening trusted partnerships to deepen Africa–Europe cooperation in the NewSpace sector.
Bilateral Engagements at the NewSpace Africa Conference
The NewSpace Africa Conference continues to strengthen institutional cooperation across Africa’s space ecosystem, bringing together private sector players, governments, and industry stakeholders to build meaningful partnerships that advance the continent’s space ambitions.