In a recent interview, Mohammed Belhocine, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, unveiled the imminent establishment of the African Space Agency (AfSA) with the aim of harnessing space technology to facilitate African development. Belhocine underscored that the AU space policy mandates the creation of the AfSA, and significant progress has been achieved towards its establishment, with the agency set to be headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Belhocine revealed that the preparations for the AfSA are currently 90 percent complete, with an agreed-upon organisational structure and the development of the African Space Council underway. This council will be responsible for coordinating AfSA activities and guiding continental space policy, with membership drawn from various African regions. While the agency is not yet fully operational, it is expected to be officially established in a few months, pending the completion of remaining recruitment tasks.
Belhocine emphasized the considerable impact of technological advancements on the accessibility and affordability of space technology in Africa. He observed a growing interest in space science and technology among African countries, resulting in increased investment in space through bilateral agreements. As the cost of satellites continues to decrease due to miniaturisation, the benefits of space technology in areas such as Earth observation, navigation, and connectivity are becoming increasingly evident.
The AU commissioner stressed the peaceful use of space resources as a fundamental principle of African space policy, emphasizing the potential of space technology to contribute to sustainable development on the continent. He cited various applications of space technology, including security, food security, navigation, connectivity, and early warning systems for disasters, as well as the valuable information provided by satellite-based Earth observation. Belhocine also stated that the growing accessibility of this information has led to an increase in investment by African countries in space technology.
The recent NewSpace Africa Conference 2024, which concluded in Luanda, Angola, brought together 400 delegates from space agencies, officials from over 24 African countries, and 28 prominent institutions or companies from the global space industry. Belhocine highlighted the international cooperation that African countries benefit from in the satellite industry, particularly through partnerships with major global space players such as China.
During the interview, Belhocine specifically mentioned the strong relationship and cooperation between the AU and China in the fields of education, science, technology, and aerospace. He expressed his optimism for enhanced collaboration in space technology, citing the preparation of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate exchanges and collaboration at the African Union level.
The establishment of the African Space Agency represents an exciting new frontier for African development, with the potential to harness the benefits of space technology for the continent’s advancement. As the agency moves towards official establishment, it is poised to open up opportunities for cooperation and innovation in the field of space technology, with a focus on driving sustainable development in Africa.