How African countries are leveraging new space agreements

Roscosmos to expand space cooperation with African countries at the Russian-Africa forum

Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos has announced its plans to sign a cooperation agreement with African countries during the upcoming Russian-Africa economic and humanitarian forum in St. Petersburg from 27-28 July 2023.

Roscosmos recently sent a delegation led by DG Yury Borisov to Egypt on June 25, where they met with the Egyptian Space Agency CEO, Dr Sherif Sedky, to discuss cooperation in outer space, including satellite production and launch, the development of manned programs, and surface space infrastructure. The two agencies agreed to draft a comprehensive agreement encompassing a wide range of possible collaborations in the space sector.

Algeria and Russia sign government agreement for peaceful space cooperation

Algeria has signed a cooperation agreement in space exploration and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes with Russia. This agreement establishes the fundamental terms of bilateral relations in space activities. The agreement encompasses various areas such as space sciences, technologies, and applications; space communications and related services; training and knowledge transfer in the space field, amongst other things.

RSA and JICA to strengthen space collaboration for socio-economic development

Mr Hirosawa Jin, Senior Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has concluded consultations on enhancing Rwanda and Japan’s space collaboration with the CEO of Rwanda Space Agency, Colonel Francis Ngabo. The partnership is expected to propel Rwanda’s mission to utilise space for the inclusive socio-economic development of Rwanda, and to help both countries achieve mutual benefits and advance their respective space sectors for socio-economic development.

EgyptSat-2 marks milestone in Egyptian-Chinese space partnership

The Egyptian Space Agency has received the mechanical and electrical models of the EgyptSat-2 from China. The advanced imaging capabilities of EgyptSat-2 offer a range of applications that can significantly benefit the country. Additionally, acquiring EgyptSat-2 models represents a significant step forward for the EgSA’s space research and satellite development ambitions and signifies the agency’s dedication to expanding its capabilities and contributing to the global scientific community.

Ghana and Tunisia sign new space cooperation agreement

The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and the Tunisian Space Association have signed a partnership agreement to collaborate to advance the development of their respective space sectors for socioeconomic benefits in Africa. The agreement will set the stage for future partnerships, space research, development and training in both countries.

Eutelsat and du Form partner to enhance broadcast services in the Middle East and North Africa

Eutelsat Communications announced its partnership with du, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) to upgrade its direct-to-home satellite services across the MENA region. With this development, du is expanding its capacity at the 7/8° West orbital position, and this expansion will enable its media customers to effortlessly deliver high-definition content to viewers, ensuring an enhanced user experience.

Humbulani Mudau, CEO of SANSA, discloses breakdown of SANSA’s plans

The CEO of SANSA, Mr Humbulani Mudau, has expressed the agency's future plans. Its primary objective, the Space Infrastructure Hub project, which combines physical infrastructure and Big Data-driven technologies, will focus on mission development for future South African satellites, the development of satellite communications capabilities, and the development of local satellite navigation augmentation systems, which will increase the accuracy of global navigation satellite systems in South Africa and the Southern Africa region.

Angola Telecom launches Angosat-2-supported Conecta Angola project

Angola Telecom announced the launch of a new service, Conecta Angola, which aimed to provide free internet connectivity supported by the Angosat-2 satellite to remote areas of the country where none of the country’s mobile operators had been active. The project intends to target state institutions such as schools, hospitals and municipal administrations that have limited access to internet connectivity to increase digital inclusion.

SKAO in collaboration with IAU OAO funds astronomy outreach projects in Africa

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory, in collaboration with the International Astronomical Union’s Office for Astronomy Outreach, has awarded a second round of funding aimed at facilitating the creation of radio astronomy outreach activities and resources to four African and European projects. The scheme focuses on supporting publicly accessible outreach content and resources related to radio astronomy.?