The African Union Commission (AUC) will officially inaugurate the African Space Agency (AfSA) during the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, set to take place at Egypt Space City in Cairo. This landmark event marks a significant step in Africa’s space ambitions, positioning AfSA as the central body for coordinating space initiatives across the continent and fostering international collaborations.
AfSA will act as Africa’s main point of contact for space cooperation, particularly with global partners such as Europe, and will play a vital role in boosting the continent’s space missions. The agency was established to streamline space-related activities and prevent duplication of efforts within the African space ecosystem, ensuring a unified approach to space endeavours.
One of AfSA’s key goals is to help African nations effectively utilize space-derived data and technologies to drive socio-economic development, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063— the continent’s blueprint for transformation. AfSA will facilitate the use of satellite data for various applications, including agriculture, disaster management, education, and healthcare.
The establishment of AfSA follows years of planning, financial negotiations, and governance discussions, with the African Union’s Committee of Permanent Representatives assessing its structural implications as early as 2018. The agency’s development is guided by a detailed roadmap tailored to Africa’s needs, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The African Space Council, formed during the AU Assembly’s 37th Ordinary Session, will oversee AfSA’s operations. With representatives from all five regions of the continent, the council aims to ensure a pan-African vision is reflected in decision-making.
AfSA’s launch is expected to generate wide-reaching impacts, particularly in economic development, as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) connected to space technology are set to benefit from increased investment and innovation. Additionally, AfSA will be instrumental in addressing key challenges like climate change, food security, and infrastructure development through the use of space technology.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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