The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is currently showing the country’s space capability and opportunities for regional and international collaboration to heads of space agencies from across Africa. Gabon has already agreed to partner with South Africa in developing its ground station capabilities.

Representatives of Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observations Spatiales (AGEOS) and others from Angola, Egypt, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, South Sudan and Namibia – on a week-long tour of facilities in the Western Cape and Gauteng alongside the National Space Conference – are impressed with South Africa’s achievements. All these countries are keen to establish partnerships to benefit from shared knowledge, skills and capabilities. Government departments, higher education and research institutions as well as space industries shared their insights during the conference.

The collaboration with AGEOS aligns with SANSA’s vision to develop an integrated national space capability that responds to socio-economic challenges in Africa by 2030. “The key objective of hosting the heads of African space agencies is to strengthen and deepen our existing partnerships and establish important new partnerships. Working with Gabon in developing strategic space infrastructure ensures Africa develops the necessary space capability to elevate the continent among other space nations,” said Humbulani Mudau, SANSA CEO.

AGEOS and SANSA share significant geographical advantage in terms of ground station location and resources, which could improve access to global business for the rest of the continent.

Dr Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, director general of AGEOS, said: “The development of centres of expertise in the space sector relies on close collaboration between African states. This collaboration, supported by a strong network, will enable the structures or agencies in each country to strengthen their skills to better meet the needs of their population and Africa as a whole. In this context, skill development is crucial. South Africa, with its advanced infrastructure and expertise, is well-positioned to support Gabon and other African countries in reaching a global technical level that will enhance the continent's competitiveness. Earth observation must play a central role in providing opportunities for African youth, reducing unemployment and contributing to sustainable development across Africa.”