SatNav Africa
Joint Programme Office (JPO) and the African Association for Geospatial
Development (AGEOS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate Africa's
capabilities in satellite navigation and space applications at the just-ended NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo, Egypt. The agreement,
inked on April 22 during the conference, establishes a collaborative framework
to drive innovation in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS),
Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), and related space technologies
across the continent.
The strategic
alliance will focus on three key pillars: fostering research and innovation,
building local technical capacity, and promoting entrepreneurship –
particularly among youth and women – in Africa's growing space sector. By
aligning with both continental space policies and the Africa-EU Space
Partnership Programme, the collaboration aims to stimulate the development of
business clusters specializing in cutting-edge geospatial solutions.
"This
partnership represents more than just technical cooperation – it's about
co-creating an ecosystem where African innovation can thrive in the global
space economy," stated a SatNav Africa
representative during the signing ceremony. AGEOS Tunisia emphasized the
agreement's role in bridging technological gaps and creating tangible
opportunities for African talent in the geospatial field.
The MoU lays
the groundwork for joint initiatives including specialized training programs,
technology transfer projects, and startup incubation platforms designed to
transform Africa's digital landscape. With GNSS applications becoming
increasingly vital for sectors ranging from agriculture to urban planning, this
collaboration positions both organizations at the forefront of Africa's space
technology revolution.
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
