Egypt has officially inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in Cairo, marking a historic moment in Africa’s pursuit of greater cooperation in space science and technology. This new milestone is expected to strengthen Africa’s collective efforts in addressing key challenges such as food security, ecosystem preservation, and disease prevention.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, and Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency. Representatives from the African Union and other foreign space agencies were also present. Minister Ashour emphasized the importance of the agency not only as a scientific institution but also as a strategic step toward building a more advanced and prosperous future for Africa. He noted that space technology is crucial for addressing various societal challenges and for enhancing the continent’s digital transformation.
Ashour also highlighted that space technology intersects with engineering and basic sciences, with Egypt’s space city providing the necessary infrastructure for satellite assembly, testing, and operations. The space city includes specialized zones for companies and the space industry, enabling further advancements in this field.
Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, described the inauguration of the African Space Agency as a turning point for the continent. “The AfSA will serve as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and progress for all African nations,” Sedky said.
The African Space Agency, which was established in 2016 by African heads of state, aims to coordinate space cooperation among African nations and international partners. Egypt was chosen as the permanent host of the agency in 2019 due to its leadership in space research and technology.
The establishment of AfSA aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the vision of “The Africa We Want.” The agency aims to enhance Africa’s space capabilities to support sustainable development, including in sectors like agriculture, health, and natural resource management.
During the inauguration, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed with the European Space Agency, the UAE Space Agency, and Russia’s Roscosmos, aimed at enhancing cooperation, sharing expertise, and building capacity across Africa.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Chairperson of the African Space Agency, expressed his pride in the event, emphasizing the agency’s role in addressing the continent’s challenges and supporting the sustainable development goals. The agency will also facilitate knowledge exchange among African nations and promote international collaboration in space science and technology.
Ashour emphasized the importance of collaboration with academic institutions, research centers, and global space agencies. He also stressed that the agency would play a crucial role in developing early warning systems for climate change, protecting infrastructure, and supporting economic growth through the optimal use of space technology.
This launch reflects Egypt’s commitment to leadership in African development and underscores its vital role in advancing space cooperation across the continent. The African Space Agency will serve as the main hub for coordinating Africa’s space efforts, ensuring equitable access to satellite data, and enhancing the continent’s participation in international space missions.
