Exciting news from the African continent as the African Union Commission and the Egyptian government officially launch the African Space Agency (AfSA). The two parties signed a formal agreement on January 25, 2023, establishing the framework for cooperation and collaboration in space research and innovation.
The signing took place during a reception hosted by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mohamed Ashour, who welcomed a delegation from the African Union. Ashour assured the delegation of the Egyptian government’s commitment to providing a permanent headquarters for the AfSA, which will play a key role in advancing space science and technology on the continent.
According to Ashour, hosting the headquarters in Egypt will drive economic growth and create job opportunities by boosting the space industry in Africa and marketing its space services. The AfSA will serve as the hub for Africa’s partnerships with Europe and other non-African countries in the space industry.
As the official space body tasked with coordinating and implementing Africa’s space policy, the AfSA will implement the African space policy and strategy, and work towards realizing the continent’s goals in space. Egypt was selected as the host of the AfSA in 2019, beating out Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The AfSA will also develop an intra-African registry with guidelines for countries looking to establish their own space agencies, promoting technological development across member states. Get ready for a new era of space innovation in Africa!
