The Earth Observation Africa Research and Development (EO AFRICA R&D) Facility Consortium has achieved a significant milestone with the European Space Agency (ESA) approving a three-year extension for its second phase. This extension, covering 2024 to 2027, aims to foster deeper collaboration between Africa and Europe, drive innovation, and enhance Earth Observation (EO) capabilities across the African continent.

Following a successful evaluation of its first phase (2021-2024), the EO AFRICA R&D Facility Consortium focuses on promoting research and development partnerships between African and European entities. The consortium aims to cultivate an active research community while advancing EO technologies and applications tailored to address African challenges.

In the upcoming phase, the consortium will prioritize critical themes such as water scarcity and food security, leveraging EO data and cloud computing technologies to develop solutions for these pressing issues affecting the region.

Key activities planned for Phase 2 include expanding training initiatives through face-to-face and online sessions, hackathons, and webinars. These programs aim to bolster capacity development across Africa by utilizing EO data for water and food security applications. Additionally, the consortium will facilitate two research calls inviting African-European tandems to utilize the cloud computing infrastructure for optimizing scientific workflows and addressing local research priorities.

Phase 2 will also support the development of EO-based educational materials and curricula for African universities, reinforcing the integration of EO technologies into academic programs. This initiative seeks to nurture the next generation of EO professionals and researchers within the continent.

Dr. John Doe, Director of the EO AFRICA R&D Facility, expressed optimism about the opportunities Phase 2 will bring: "We are entering an exciting new chapter with Phase 2 of the EO AFRICA R&D Facility. We believe these initiatives will foster meaningful collaborations between African and European researchers, driving innovation and advancing EO capabilities to address Africa's unique challenges."

By strengthening the African-European R&D network, Phase 2 aims to create lasting impacts in enhancing environmental monitoring, resource management, and resilience across Africa.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

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https://www.eoafrica-rd.org/eo-africa-rd-facility-the-second-phase/