On 20 April 2025, the African Union (“AU”) inaugurated the African Space Agency (“AfSA”). AfSA is the third regional space agency, after the European Space Agency (“ESA”) and the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency. AfSA will be headquartered in Space City, in New Cairo, Egypt.
Background
It took nearly ten years to establish AfSA. In January 2016, the AU’s heads of State adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy. The policy noted how space-based technologies can facilitate solutions to certain common regional challenges, such as food security, rapid urbanisation, climate change, and education. It also recognised that space-based solutions are necessary for the effective management of resources.
Two years later, in 2018, the AU’s member States adopted AfSA’s Statute. In 2019, the AU selected Egypt to host AfSA’s headquarters. This selection was formalised in 2023 by an agreement between Egypt and the AU, which was approved by the Egyptian Parliament that same year.
A new space agency for Africa
AfSA is an organ of the AU. It aims to promote, advise and coordinate the development and utilisation of space science and technology in Africa. This goal aligns with the ambition of African State to develop a space policy and strategy to guide the continent to a globally competitive Outer-Space Programme as part of the African Agenda 2063.
AfSA seeks to “harness the potential benefits of space science, technology and innovation; strengthen space missions on the continent; develop a sustainable and vibrant indigenous space market and industry and maximise the benefits of space activities”. AfSA will also support African States in building critical infrastructure in space science and technology and create international partnerships.
AfSA’s day-to-day activities are overseen by a Director General, while an African Space Council guides AfSA’s strategic and policy direction. In addition, an Advisory Committee reviews strategic plans, annual work plans and budgets.
Early activities
Since its establishment, AfSA has already undertaken several activities. For example, AfSA has signed cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and Russia’s Roscosmos. AfSA has also signed a cooperation agreement and partnership programme with ESA, to strengthen the African space ecosystem through the training of African stakeholders. As part of this programme, a business innovation lab will be set up to drive the development of the African private space sector.
A growing African space industry
The establishment of AfSA is hoped to bring further coordination to the fast-growing African private space industry. A recent report estimated that 327 African space companies in 36 African States collectively generated USD 309.31 million in revenue in 2023 across six industry segments—satellite communication, Earth observation, satellite component manufacturing, astronomy, capacity development, and satellite navigation. Reportedly, AfSA is “expected to play a “catalytic role in Africa’s commercial space sector”, including by “enabling regulatory frameworks, supporting public–private partnerships, and helping develop a market for satellite services, data applications and indigenous innovation.”
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