20 April 2025 2018, the African Space Agency will be inaugurated in Cairo (AfSA) — a new stage in the development of the continent's space industry. The event will be held in the Egyptian Space City and will be the result of efforts, started in 2016 year, when the African Union adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy.
A continental event with global resonance
The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the African Union, governments of African countries, national space agencies, members of the AfSA Council and delegations of international space agencies. Among those present was the chairman of the AU Commission, Prime Minister of Egypt, Ministers of Education, telecommunications, of foreign affairs, as well as NASA representatives, THIS, United Arab Emirates and other partners.
AfSA's mission
AfSA will become a key framework for coordinating space cooperation between African countries, as well as with European and international partners. The Agency will promote joint research, access to satellite data, development of telecommunications and environmental monitoring, and will help eliminate duplication and inefficiencies in national space programs.
Program of the event: main points:
Keynote by Dr. Valanathan Moonsamy (the former head of SANSA) will cover the history of the creation of the agency, challenges, which were overcome, and the future road map.
Presentation of the structure of AfSA: organizational model, mechanisms of participation of member countries, priority directions (remote sensing of the Earth, satellite communication, science, education).
Ceremonial unveiling of the AfSA logo, created by Cameroonian designer Remy Fadil Bouele. The design symbolizes the combination of African traditions and its technological aspirations.
Signing memorandums of cooperation:
with ESA — climate monitoring, staff training;
from the UAE — development of small satellites, educational exchanges;
with Roscosmos — consultations on launches, research, possible participation of African astronauts in future missions.
Key speeches:
from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on AfSA's place in the implementation of the Agenda 2063 (development of agriculture, health care, infrastructure, education);
from the Prime Minister of Egypt - about the role of the host country and infrastructure, given to the agency in Space City.
Ribbon cutting and tour of the AfSA campus, including the operations center, offices, research laboratories and educational facilities.
The ceremony will end with a business reception and networking, where representatives of countries and partners will discuss possible joint projects, programs for exchange of experience and support for young scientists.