Libreville to host 2026 NewSpace Africa Conference
Date: 2025-10-23
Libreville, Gabon, will host the 2026 edition of the NewSpace Africa Conference from April 20–23, 2026, marking another milestone in Africa’s growing space ecosystem. The event is being organized by Space in Africa, in collaboration with the African Space Agency and the Agence Gabonaise d’Études et d’Observations Spatiales (AGEOS), under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Gabon and the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation (MENDI).
Themed
“Inclusive Growth: Expanding Space
Benefits to All Africans,” the 2026 conference will explore how
space technologies and applications can drive equitable socio-economic
development across the continent. Discussions will center on using
space-enabled solutions to address Africa’s key challenges — including food security,
climate resilience, digital inclusion, education, health, and industrialisation
— with a focus on ensuring that the benefits of the continent’s growing space
sector reach every community.
In
a statement issued to TechReview Africa, the NewSpace Africa
Conference 2026 will bring together key stakeholders from governments, national
space agencies, academia, and the private sector to shape strategies for
inclusive growth through space technologies. The event will feature high-level
keynotes, panel discussions, business matchmaking, and exhibitions highlighting
innovations in satellite manufacturing, Earth observation, navigation, and
connectivity.
According
to H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara,
President of the Council of the African Space Agency, the Libreville conference
represents “a defining moment for Africa’s space sector,” serving as
both a reflection of progress and a platform to align the continent’s
collective vision for space as a catalyst for sustainable development and
global collaboration.
Dr. Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, Director-General of AGEOS,
described hosting the 2026 edition as “a significant milestone for Gabon and
the African space community,” emphasizing that the gathering will attract
investment, foster collaboration, and highlight Africa’s innovative use of
space technologies to tackle critical development challenges.
Building
on the success of previous editions in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Egypt,
which brought together over 1,700 participants from 65 countries, the
Libreville conference aims to strengthen partnerships and position Africa as a
key player in the global space arena.
Early-bird
registration is open until November
30, 2025, with regular registration continuing until March 31, 2026. More details are
available via Space in Africa’s
official website and communication channels.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
