The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has signed a strategic partnership with Gabon’s Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observations Spatiales (AGEOS) to enhance satellite ground station capabilities in Gabon, a move aimed at advancing Africa's position in the global space industry. The agreement, signed in Libreville, is set to boost the continent's space infrastructure and support broader socio-economic development.

The partnership comes as SANSA pursues its long-term goal of developing an integrated National Space Capability by 2030. This vision seeks to leverage space technology to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including climate change, agriculture, natural resource management, and disaster response. SANSA CEO Humbulani Mudau underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating, "Working with Gabon to develop strategic space infrastructure allows Africa to play a more prominent role in the global space sector and address key development challenges on the continent."

Gabon’s strategic location near the equator makes it ideal for satellite ground stations, allowing for better satellite coverage and more efficient data collection. The partnership will enable the installation of advanced Earth Observation infrastructure, providing crucial data for sectors such as environmental monitoring, natural disaster management, and urban planning. This will significantly boost Africa’s capacity to participate in the rapidly growing global space economy, which is projected to be worth over $1 trillion by 2040.

The agreement also aligns with Africa's broader ambitions to establish a robust space industry. Gabon, through AGEOS, has already demonstrated its commitment to space research and Earth Observation with its satellite ground station in Libreville, operational since 2017. This collaboration with SANSA will further strengthen the continent’s technical capabilities and improve access to valuable satellite data.

"This partnership is a significant step toward building Africa’s space infrastructure, positioning the continent as a key player in global space research and development," said AGEOS Director General, Jean Pierre Oyiba. "It also opens up new opportunities for research, innovation, and capacity building across the continent."

The collaboration between SANSA and AGEOS marks a key milestone in Africa's space journey, reinforcing the continent's strategic importance in the global space ecosystem. By developing essential infrastructure, this partnership will not only enhance Africa’s space capabilities but also create new opportunities for economic growth and technological innovation across the continent.

 

Article by RB Reporter

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https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/09/03/sansa-and-ageos-partner-to-boost-africas-space-capabilities/