African Space Strategy

Abstract

The convenient lifestyle and high standard of living in the developed world are supported by the instant access to information and space-based applications, such as instantaneous television coverage and navigation services. Even the provision of basic commodities such as food and energy resources is facilitated by space-based technology. In addition, space-based solutions are necessary for the effective management of resources such as water, forests, marine ecosystems and agriculture. Given this reality, it is inconceivable that so many of Africa’s space-derived services and products are outsourced. This strategy has been developed to advance an indigenous space sector and provides direction for a formal African space programme. The strategy is aligned to Africa’s aspirations and is premised upon the following core principles: i. Development of the services and products required to respond effectively to the socio-economic needs of the continent. ii. Development of indigenous capacity to operate and maintain core space capabilities. iii. Development of an industrial capability that is able to translate innovative ideas from research and development into the public and commercial sectors. iv. Coordination of space activities across member states and regions to minimize duplication, but maintaining sufficient critical mass. v. Fostering international cooperation within Africa and with the rest of the world as a means of realizing the full value proposition of the space sector. The implementation of this strategy is important if we are to transform Africa’s resource-based economies into the knowledge-based economies to which we aspire. The space sector is not only a high-end technology sector, but also provides the tools required for effective decision making in the management of our natural resources and providing essential communications links, especially to our rural communities.