On April 20, 2025, a pivotal moment unfolded in Cairo, Egypt, as the African Space Agency (AfSA) was officially inaugurated at its headquarters in Egyptian Space City. This event marked the realization of a vision that began nearly a decade earlier, when the African Union Assembly adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy during its Twenty-sixth Ordinary Session in January 2016. That foundational step set the stage for a coordinated, continent-wide approach to space activities, and the inauguration of AfSA stands as a testament to Africa’s growing presence in the global space arena.
The ceremony drew a distinguished crowd, including representatives from the African Union Commission, African governments, national space agencies, AfSA Council members, and international space organizations. Their presence reflected the importance of this development not only for Africa but for the broader international community, as the continent takes a bold step forward in its space endeavors. AfSA’s establishment is a milestone in itself, positioning it as the second regional space agency globally, following the European Space Agency (ESA), and bringing together the 55 member countries of the African Union under a unified framework to pursue their space ambitions.
AfSA’s role is both clear and ambitious. The agency is tasked with serving as the central coordinating body for Africa’s space efforts, fostering cooperation with international partners, including Europe and beyond. One of its primary goals is to enhance space missions across the continent, ensuring that African nations have optimal access to space-derived data, information, services, and products. By integrating these efforts into national, regional, and continental programs, AfSA aims to eliminate the duplication and inefficiencies that have historically hampered the African space ecosystem. As the official steward of the African Space Policy and Strategy, the agency will work to advance the continent’s space-related objectives, creating a more cohesive and effective approach to space exploration and utilization.
The inauguration also marked the beginning of AfSA’s international collaboration, with the signing of key memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three major space agencies. First, AfSA partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA), agreeing to collaborate on Earth observation programs focused on climate monitoring and natural resource management. This partnership also includes joint training initiatives for African space professionals and technical support to strengthen AfSA’s institutional development. Second, an agreement with the UAE Space Agency will focus on small satellite development and educational exchanges between African and Emirati space institutions, fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing. Third, AfSA signed an MoU with Roscosmos, the Russian Federation’s space agency, covering technical consultation on launch capabilities, space science research collaboration, and the potential participation of African astronauts in future missions. These agreements demonstrate a deliberate effort to build bridges with established space powers, leveraging their expertise while tailoring collaborations to meet Africa’s unique needs.
The journey to AfSA’s creation began in 2015, with the African Union Commission laying the groundwork by adopting the African space policy and strategy in 2016. This framework guided the agency’s development, culminating in its headquarters being established in Egypt—a fitting choice, given that Egypt launched Africa’s first satellite in 1998. Since then, Africa’s space journey has seen steady progress. Eighteen African countries have launched a total of 63 satellites, and many have developed their own national space programs, delivering tangible benefits to their citizens. These programs have tackled a range of challenges, from improving telecommunications and weather forecasting to enhancing agricultural productivity and disaster management. AfSA builds on this foundation, aiming to harness space science and technology to drive socio-economic development across the continent.
Beyond practical applications, AfSA is committed to promoting collaborative research and the peaceful exploration of outer space. The agency seeks to ensure that Africa’s space activities align with global norms of cooperation and responsibility, positioning the continent as a meaningful contributor to the international space community. By streamlining efforts and fostering partnerships, AfSA intends to unlock the vast potential of space for the benefit of all Africans, addressing pressing needs while inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
The inauguration of AfSA signals the dawn of a new era for Africa’s space aspirations. With its mandate to coordinate, streamline, and elevate the continent’s space efforts, the agency is poised to play a transformative role in shaping Africa’s future in space. Headquartered in Cairo, supported by international partnerships, and driven by a clear vision, AfSA stands ready to turn Africa’s space ambitions into reality, marking a bold step toward a more connected, innovative, and prosperous continent.
