Dr. Zolana Joao calls for stronger STEM pipeline to sustain Africa’s growing space ambitions
Date: 2025-12-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Founding General Manager of Angola’s Space Program and a leading advocate for
space development in Africa, Zolana Joao, has underscored the critical role of
education and human capital in sustaining the continent’s expanding space
ambitions.
In
remarks shared on LinkedIn, Dr Joao noted that while Africa’s interest and
participation in space activities continue to grow, long-term success will
depend less on technology alone and more on the development of people. He
stressed that a strong pipeline in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) is essential to moving African space programmes from
potential to innovation.
Dr
Joao highlighted ongoing efforts across the continent focused on accreditation,
workforce training and educational partnerships aimed at building resilient
systems that will enable future generations to participate meaningfully in
space missions. According to him, these initiatives are designed to ensure that
Africa not only consumes space technology but also develops the expertise
required to design, launch and sustain its own space infrastructure.
Reflecting
on his personal journey from poverty to global leadership in the space sector,
Dr Joao described education in STEM as a pathway to prosperity for Africa. He
said his experience demonstrates that with determination, vision and access to
knowledge, individuals can overcome significant barriers and contribute at the
highest levels of science and technology.
He
added that preparing young Africans in science and engineering is not only
about space exploration, but also about equipping them to shape their own
futures in an increasingly digital global economy.
