(Ecofin Agency) - The launch of the agency’s headquarters marks a turning point for Africa’s collective ambitions in space, signaling a new chapter of continental ownership, strategic partnerships, and innovation.

On April 20, Africa officially launched the Africa Space Agency (AfSA) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, marking a landmark moment in the continent’s quest to harness space science and technology for sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), emphasized the importance of partnership and regional coordination in building Africa’s space ecosystem.

The inauguration ceremony, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, brought together high-level delegations from African Union Member States, global space agencies, and international stakeholders. The event underscored a growing commitment to collaborative space exploration and self-reliance in space capabilities across the continent.

A major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AfSA and the European Space Agency (ESA), laying the foundation for future collaboration in Earth observation, Satellite development, Data sharing, and Capacity building. The agreement is expected to accelerate Africa’s integration into the global space community and strengthen technical exchange and innovation.

Established under the African Union Commission, the Africa Space Agency is tasked with coordinating continental space activities, promoting African space technologies, and supporting development goals through research, innovation, and applications in space science.

The inauguration sets the stage for the upcoming New Space Africa Conference (April 21–24, 2025), where space experts, investors, and policymakers will gather in Cairo to shape the future of the African space industry.

Until now, Africa’s space efforts have been largely fragmented, with only a handful of countries (like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and Ethiopia) maintaining national space programs. The African Space Agency provides a central body to coordinate space initiatives across AU Member States, ensuring shared resources, reduced duplication of efforts, and stronger negotiating power globally.

According to a 2023 report by African market research business intelligence consulting In On Africa, titled Africa’s Satellites: Miniaturisation Allows More African Nations to Collect Orbital Data, 15 African countries had launched satellites as of May 2023. The establishment of a continental agency like AfSA is expected to broaden access to space technologies, making it easier for more African nations to participate in and benefit from space-based capabilities.

Hikmatu Bilali