Africa’s Space Ambitions Take Flight: The African Space Agency (AfSA) Launches
The African space landscape is poised for a dramatic shift. On April 20, 2025, the African Space Agency (AfSA) was officially inaugurated in Cairo, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment for the continent's involvement in space exploration and technology. This initiative, conceived by the African Union (AU) in 2016, aims to coordinate Africa's approach to space, implement the African Space Policy and Strategy, and foster collaboration with international partners.
The establishment of AfSA is a direct response to the growing need for a unified voice and strategy in the African space sector. The AU Assembly adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy back in January 2016, laying the groundwork for a coordinated approach to space activities across the continent.
Currently, 22 African nations operate their own space agencies, focusing primarily on Earth observation, climate change monitoring, weather forecasting for agriculture, navigation, communication, and disaster response. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), for instance, has implemented a successful satellite monitoring program to detect wildfires and alert response teams.
AfSA's core mission is to consolidate the efforts of these national agencies. It will serve as a central point of contact for international discussions and provide a unified front in negotiations with private launch companies and hardware manufacturers.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, president of the AfSA Council, outlined three key pillars driving Africa's space ambitions at a February event: the essential role of space technologies, the need for a robust structural framework, and the future of space in the era of NewSpace and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed that Africa currently relies on imported space technology and data, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the continent's natural resources and engineering talent to become a producer of its own space solutions.
"Africa is a sleeping giant in the space economy," Dr. Ouattara stated.
"With a projected revenue of $22 billion by 2026, we are barely scratching the surface of our potential. We must move from being passive users to active creators of space knowledge, services, and solutions. The future of space lies in collaboration," he added. "We must build a critical mass of skilled professionals and create an enabling environment for startups and SMEs to thrive."
The AU's 16-page space policy document aims to ensure that space activities benefit the African people by improving the economy, providing education, enhancing access to technology and information, and establishing early warning systems for natural disasters. It also emphasizes the importance of employing local talent and improving access to space services infrastructure.
While Africa comprises a fifth of the Earth's land surface, it currently contributes only 0.5% of the global space budget. As of today, 18 African states have launched a total of 67 satellites, yet none have been launched on African rockets or from African launch facilities.
The establishment of AfSA represents a significant step forward in addressing this disparity. By investing in its space sector, Africa aims to unlock a multitude of benefits currently enjoyed by developed nations, spanning economic growth, improved communication, enhanced disaster preparedness, and more.
Adding to this momentum, Femi Ishola, CEO of Phemotron Systems, a Nigerian startup, recently won the 2025 Startup Space competition at SATELLITE. His company plans to launch its first Earth observation satellite, AI-Motherbox-1, next year, equipped with an AI engine for on-board edge computing. Ishola envisions Phemotron Systems becoming a key satellite integrator in Africa and expanding the continent's access to satellite solutions, hoping his win will inspire further investment in the African space industry. The success of startups like Phemotron highlight the potential for African innovation in the space sector.
The launch of AfSA is more than just the creation of an agency; it's a declaration of intent. It signifies Africa's commitment to becoming an active participant in the global space arena, driving innovation, and leveraging space technology for the benefit of its people. Will AfSA truly be the catalyst that propels Africa to the forefront of space exploration and development? Share your thoughts in the comments below.