By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
France and African space
agencies are exploring deeper cooperation to strengthen space sovereignty,
technical capacity and private-sector development across the continent as
African countries expand their space programmes.
The discussions were held
during a high-level session organised by MEDEF International on the sidelines
of the International Space Summit which brought together leaders of major
African space agencies to examine opportunities for practical cooperation
between French companies and the African space sector.
The session was chaired by
Denis Mercier, Deputy Director-General of Fives, and Olivier Piepsz, President
of Prométhée Earth Intelligence.
Participants included Dr
Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Agency and CEO of the Côte
d’Ivoire Space Agency; Dr Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, CEO of the Gabonese
Space Agency; Gaspard Twagirayezu, CEO of the Rwanda Space Agency; Maram Kaire,
CEO of the Senegalese Space Agency; Dr Zolana Joao, CEO of the Angolan Space
Agency; and Maj. Gen. Hillary Kipkosgey, CEO of the Kenya Space Agency.
The meeting provided a
platform for French companies to present their expertise and solutions in areas
including space sovereignty, technical support, development of the African
private space sector and the use of space applications to address development
challenges.
Discussions focused on how
greater cooperation between African space agencies and French industry could
support the development of local capabilities and strengthen Africa’s ability
to use space technologies for economic and social development.
The participation of agency
leaders from Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Rwanda, Senegal, Angola and Kenya also
highlighted the growing regional interest in building stronger partnerships
across the African space ecosystem.
Through its NewSpace Task
Force, MEDEF International is continuing to engage with African space agencies
and private-sector players to identify new opportunities for cooperation and
investment.
The initiative comes as
African countries seek to strengthen national and continental space
capabilities, expand private-sector participation and develop applications in
areas such as Earth observation, connectivity and other technologies supporting
sustainable development.
