Busy Second Half Of 2019 Awaits African Space Enthusiasts
Half of the year 2019 is gone, and if space enthusiasts within (and beyond) the African continent felt that January to June was a period laden with activities, then they have to brace themselves, because the second half of 2019 is set to be as busy and lively as could possibly be. There is a lot of buzz around the African space industry lately, and to this end, there will be conferences, summits,…
Researchers Use Deep Learning And Aerial Images to Track Serengeti Wildebeest Population
A team of researchers from the U.K, Tanzania, South Africa and the United States explored the ecosystem behaviour and population size of the East African wildebeest community in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, using a deep learning algorithm to count its population and validate the data through citizen science techniques.
In a paper published on 16 March 2019 in the journal “Methods in…
What Does The United States Stand To Lose If It Doesn’t Pay Attention To The African Space Industry?
For at least thirty years, the US’s commercial relationship with Africa has been dominated by resources underground. Oil, gas and minerals account for about half of all U.S direct investment in Africa. Commercial relations with the US have been dominated by U.S engagement in natural resources. The United States has always been a lead investor in regions that offer economic arbitrage…
Institutions From 45 African Countries Are Implementing Earth Observation Projects Through GMES & Africa
The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa (GMES & Africa) Support Programme is the result of the long standing cooperation between Africa and Europe in the area of space science & technology, which is one of the key priorities of the long-term EU-Africa Joint Strategy. The GMES & Africa Support Programme is administered by the African Union Commission through the…
How Significant Is The ACFTA To The African Space Industry?
More than 25 years after the Abuja treaty, Africa is on the verge of a historic step, as it has finalised negotiations and had countries take concrete steps for one of the milestones of regional integration envisaged by its pan-Africanist founding fathers. Political will has been built since the 2012 decision to fast-track the African Continental Free Trade Area and capitalising on this momentum…
Participate In The Digital Earth Africa Day To Be Held In Nairobi
The Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) will host the Digital Earth Africa Day and other networking events on the sidelines of the RCMRD International Conference & 4th AfriGEOSS Symposium taking place at the RCMRD Campus, Kasarani, Nairobi. Note the timeline below, should you wish to participate.
August 12, 2019: Digital Earth Africa Day
August 13, 2019: Digital Earth Africa Social and…
How Is GMES & Africa Using Earth Observation To Improve The Lives Of African People? (Part Two)
The African Union Commission has been spearheading efforts to tap into the continent’s potential in space technology to improve living conditions across the region. The African Space Policy and Strategy was initiated by the Commission to facilitate the coordination and regulation of Africa’s space activities.
Beyond maintaining Africa’s water and natural resources, GMES and Africa also focuses…
How Is GMES & Africa Using Earth Observation To Improve The Lives Of African People? (Part One)
Africa has significant potential in Space that needs to be exploited to contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development. The African Union Commission has been spearheading efforts to tap into these opportunities to catalyse the livelihoods of people in the continent. By an edict of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, the Commission initiated the African Space Policy…
Asteroid Day 2019 to be Held Across Various Locations in Africa
Asteroid Day was co-instituted in 2014 by Dr. Brian May (astrophysicist and lead guitarist for the rock band QUEEN), Danica Remy (B612 President), Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart, and filmmaker Grig Richters. Asteroid Day is held on June 30 each year to mark the date of Earth’s largest asteroid impact in recorded history, the Siberia Tunguska event that took place on June 30, 1908. In 2016,…
How Much Has NASRDA Contributed to Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development?
Space exploration used to be a luxurious show of technological might between the United States of America and the defunct Soviet Union, until developed nations realized the potentials of space technology in addressing real-life challenges and improving the conditions of living on Earth. Developing nations followed suit, committing their limited resources at a smaller but significant scale to…