African Space Agency and CNES Reinforce Strategic Partnership to Advance Continental Space Development
The African Space Agency (AfSA) and Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) have reinforced their longstanding collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their mutual dedication to advancing Africa’s space agenda.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council, on behalf of AfSA. The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Amb. Ali Drouiche, African Union Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States and Head of the AU Cairo Office, and H.E. Amb. Éric Chevallier, Ambassador of France to the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Focus Areas for Collaboration
Under the terms of this MoU, AfSA and CNES have committed to jointly developing and deploying space-based solutions, with particular emphasis on several priority areas:
- Earth Observation applications tailored to African development needs
- Capacity building and training programmes to strengthen continental expertise
- Facilitating opportunities for public-private collaboration to foster innovation and commercial partnerships
Supporting Africa’s Development Vision
The partnership aims to support Africa’s development priorities whilst strengthening institutional and technical cooperation between the two organisations. By fostering private-sector innovation, the agreement seeks to advance the peaceful, sustainable, and responsible use of outer space.
Strategic Enabler for Continental Progress
This agreement embodies a shared vision of space as a strategic enabler for development, resilience, skills development, and economic opportunity across Africa. The partnership also reinforces Africa’s position as a coordinated and credible participant in the global space ecosystem, enhancing the continent’s voice and capability in international space governance and collaboration.
The MoU represents a significant step forward for Africa, France, and the future of international space cooperation, demonstrating how bilateral partnerships can contribute to building Africa’s space capabilities while addressing pressing developmental challenges through innovative space-based solutions.