Ongoing Satellite and Ground Segment Projects in Africa
The recently held 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference provided a platform for heads of space agencies in Africa to share insights into their countries’ ongoing satellite and ground segment projects. The discussions reflected a growing focus and investment in space-based infrastructure to support national development goals. This article outlines some key project insights shared, offering a snapshot of…
Closing Day of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference: Excerpts
Cross-section of panelists. Source: Iyanuoluwa Ipadeola/Space in Africa
The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference has marked a key moment in Africa's space journey, beginning with the landmark inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA) that set the stage for all subsequent discussions. Over four dynamic days, more than 550 delegates representing over 300 institutions from 65 countries…
Excerpts from the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference; Day Two
Hon Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Uganda’s Minister of State for Information, Communications, Technology (ICT), and National Guidance, delivered a keynote address. Iyanuoluwa Ipadeola/Space in Africa
The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference began on its first day with policy and strategy discussions, including the signing of the AU-EU Gateway programme. Panel sessions examined the adoption and…
What to Expect at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2025
For the fourth consecutive year, the NewSpace Africa Conference (NSAC) will solidify its position as the premier gathering for African and international space stakeholders. The event will convene government officials, commercial companies, academia, and industry leaders to shape the future of Africa’s space ecosystem and its global partnerships.
Organised by Space in Africa in collaboration…
MTN SA and Lynk Global Trial Africa’s First Satellite-to-Phone Service
Source: MTN South Africa
MTN South Africa and LEO satellite provider Lynk Global successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile device phone call during a technical trial on 27 March 2025, in the sparsely populated North West province, South Africa. The trial marks a significant advancement for African telecom providers like MTN, demonstrating the potential of LEO satellites to…
Axiom Space Partners with GSSTI to Expand Space Collaboration
Axiom Space and the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate Ghana’s space capabilities and expand its role in the global space economy. This collaboration aligns with Ghana’s recently adopted national space policy, marking a critical step in the country’s ambitions for space science, technology development, and exploration.……
The Impact of Trump’s USAID Shutdown on Space-Based Aid Programmes in Africa
Source: USAID
Shortly after his second inauguration, President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day suspension of most foreign assistance programmes. This decision has had profound ramifications, particularly for USAID-funded initiatives worldwide. The abrupt halt of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operations has distressed many aid-dependent regions, including…
Starlink Becomes Nigeria’s Second-Largest ISP with 65,564 Subscribers in Q3 2024
Source: Starlink
Starlink, operating in Nigeria under the name Starlink Internet Services Nig. Ltd has become the country’s second-largest internet service provider (ISP), with 65,564 subscribers as of Q3 2024. Based on Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) subscriber statistics, this milestone underscores Starlink’s growing market presence and position as a formidable competitor in one…
China Hosts Seminar on China-Africa Cooperation in Satellite Remote Sensing
Attendees at the seminar on China-Africa cooperation in satellite remote sensing
The Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), under China’s Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Land Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center (LASAC) of the Ministry of Natural Resources, has launched a two-week seminar on China-Africa Cooperation in Satellite Remote Sensing…
CropWatch Improving Food Security in Nigeria
Inauguration of Nigeria as the first Centre for CropWatch in the West African sub-region. Source: NASRDA
A report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights the impact of the CropWatch programme in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience and food security. The programme, which Nigeria joined in 2021, has significantly enhanced the…