Advancing institutional and private sector capabilities in the African Space ecosystem

Introduction

In the context of the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (AfricaSpace), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the African Space Agency (AfSA) are joining forces and expertise to bring the space sector in Africa to the next level, developing opportunities for institutional as well as industry stakeholders. 

As a flagship of the Global Gateway strategy, this part of the programme is funded by the EU with a joint budget of 21 million EUR implemented by the two sister space agencies. Those activities will contribute to the strategic goals of fostering resilience, promoting digitalisation, and advancing climate action in Africa through cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Objectives

The main objective of the AfricaSpace is to strengthen the European-African partnership in space leading to a sustainable uptake and use of space capabilities in Africa. More specifically, the project seeks to strengthen the African space ecosystem both at the institutional level, by supporting the set up and operational phase of AfSA, as well as at the private sector level, by enhancing the capabilities of the African private sector ecosystem. Strong and close cooperation between the mandated and leading institutions and stakeholders from both continents is essential for such a partnership to thrive.

Project activities

The project will entail the implementation of the following activities:

• Training of African stakeholders and AfSA upcoming staff in terms of programmatic design and planning as well as technical assistance activities to support the set up and operational phase of the AfSA.
• Contribute to AU-EU Space dialogue.
• Transfer of knowledge and best practices on New Space technologies, including hands on training, aimed at increasing New Space capabilities in the region.
• Co-design of an Earth Observation (EO) smallsat responding to African needs enhancing Africa – Europe industrial space partnerships.
• Training, mentoring and grant support for EO private sector companies in Africa through a continental capacity development program aimed at strengthening capacity and skills of African space sector start-ups.
• Hackathons, challenges and matchmaking events aimed at fostering innovation within the African private sector ecosystem as well as increasing Europe-Africa linkages.
• Set up of a pilot Business Innovation Lab in one selected African country which will drive the development of a private space sector ecosystem nationally.
• Set up of an African Space Newsroom for improved communication with a focus on gender-sensitive outreach.

Expected results

ESA and AfSA seek to achieve the following key expected outcomes:

• Increased capacity of the African Space Agency and national space agencies to  define space related priorities and manage and implement programmes.
• Strong New space technology capabilities in Africa, developed in collaboration with the European space ecosystem.
• Enhanced capacity and skills of the African private sector in the space economy, driving the sustainability of the sector and maximising the benefits to the rest of the economy and society on the longer term.
• Innovative EO private ecosystem at national level through the establishment of a pilot African Business Innovation Lab in a selected country.
• Increased awareness around the benefits of space, particularly earth observation and satellite navigation with a focus on gender-balanced audiences.
• Fostered sustainable development, green transition and digitalisation in Africa

Implementing partners

• European Space Agency (ESA)
• African Space Agency (AfSA)