CNN: Why Africa is Doubling Down on its Space Ambitions?

On 17 July, Dr Tidiane Ouattara, Chairman of the African Space Council, was interviewed by CNN's Amy Gunia. The interview highlights Dr Ouattara's career and explores Africa's ambitious plans in the space sector. Here are some of the points raised in the interview 

Dr Tidiane Ouattara interviewed during the first EU AU first space dialogue in Dakar, in October 2023

Background

Dr. Ouattara's journey began in his childhood in Côte d'Ivoire, where he would gather his village friends to stargaze and dream about space. This curiosity led him to Canada in 1994, where he earned a PhD in remote sensing and geographic information systems. In 2016, he joined the African Union Commission (AUC) to develop its space strategy. Today, he serves as the first President of the African Space Council, overseeing the African Space Agency (AfSA).

Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Ouattara acknowledges the significant challenges and immense work required to advance Africa's space sector. While countries like Egypt and South Africa can manufacture satellite technologies, they rely on foreign-built rockets and launch sites. Initially, politicians questioned the relevance of space investments given pressing issues like access to clean water. However, awareness is growing about the benefits of space technologies in agriculture, water quality, surveillance, and connectivity. National and continental investments are increasing, with over 20 African countries now having national space programmes and a combined budget of over $400 million in 2024.

The Vision

Dr. Ouattara envisions Africa controlling the entire space value chain, from building satellites and ground infrastructure to launching satellites, providing services, and creating products based on space information. To achieve this, Africa needs to develop a skilled workforce in fields such as diplomacy, law, and satellite construction. With Africa's population expected to exceed 2 billion by 2050, there will be a substantial market for space-derived products. Dr. Ouattara aims to establish robust educational programmes and job opportunities in the space sector, enabling future generations to contribute significantly without having to leave Africa.

The Role of AfSA

The African Space Agency (AfSA) aims to significantly boost Africa's space industry, projected to be worth $22.6 billion by 2026, by leveraging space technologies to improve everyday life. The African Union has allocated a $35 million budget for six years to support AfSA's operations. AfSA will not compete with national agencies but will coordinate space activities across the continent, streamline collaboration with international partners, and support continent-wide initiatives such as a constellation of Earth observation satellites.

For further details, read the full article, https://edition.cnn.com/science/african-space-agency-tidiane-ouattara-spc