Agency Nova reports that space is the new frontier of cooperation between Italy and Africa

July 16, 2024

Agency Nova reports that space is the new frontier of cooperation between Italy and Africa

Relations between Italy and Africa in the space sector have intensified in recent years, reflecting a mutual desire for cooperation and sustainable development. The Italy-Africa Space Conference, held on 15 and 16 July 2024 by the MAECI at Farnesina, is the latest example and marks a new frontier in Italy's partnership with Africa

Update: 19/07/2024

Supported by the Mattei Plan, Italy aims to foster sustainable development through space technology collaboration. The conference focused on applying space technologies to environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban development, while enhancing education and training in space sciences. This initiative aligns with Italy's commitment to addressing African needs with mutual understanding and cooperation. Key projects include reviving Kenya's Malindi Space Centre and establishing new launch bases. The conference saw active participation from the African Union, including Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council

Background

At an Italy-Africa summit in January 2024 in Rome, attended by over 20 African leaders, including the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and representatives of the European Union, Giorgia Meloni detailed a $5.95 billion investment plan known as the Mattei Plan for Africa. This plan focuses on energy cooperation to strengthen the partnership between Italy and African nations through various collaborative projects. The Italy-Africa Space Conference is a key initiative within this renewed relationship.

Conference Objectives

The conference focused on leveraging space applications for sustainable development, enhancing education and training in space sciences, and promoting international partnerships. It emphasised using space technologies to address critical issues such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban development. Additionally, it aimed to create opportunities for joint ventures and knowledge exchange between Italian and African entities involved in the space sector.

Approach and Understanding of African Needs

Italy's approach to this cooperation appears aligned with African expectations, emphasising a deep understanding of their needs. The Italian Deputy Prime Minister's statement, "We must look at Africa with African, not Italian, glasses," echoes similar words of Dr Tidiane Ouattara, the newly elected President of the African Space Council.

Concrete Projects

Reviving the Malindi Space Centre in Kenya, where Italy became the third global space power 57 years ago, was on the agenda. Italy wants this space centre to "become today a training and education base for African countries." ASI President Theodore Valens also mentioned plans for a new launch base.

Cooperation with the African Space Agency

Italy is ready to cooperate with the African Space Agency, hoping that the Italian Space Agency will act as a bridge with the European Space Agency. This conference marks a significant step towards integrating space technologies into broader development goals, aligning with Italy's commitment to supporting Africa's growth through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Statements and Perspectives

Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasised in January 2024 the importance of Italy and other European countries fulfilling their commitments: "We are not beggars; our ambition is much higher. We want a paradigm shift for a new partnership model that can pave the way towards a fairer and more coherent world," he told Meloni.

Despite some scepticism from his peers, President Ruto highlighted what he sees as a fundamental shift in Africa's global position: "The meeting encapsulated new thinking not just in Italy, but in Europe and globally, about the place of Africa as a continent."

Sources

Agenzia Nova, https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Italy-Africa-Urso-in-September-in-Kenya-also-for-cooperation-in-space/
World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/italy-africa-summit-outcomes/
MAECI, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/approfondimenti/2024/07/conferenza-sullo-spazio-italia-africa/
YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/live/OaR1mLxJ_kY?si=B2DjDLZVt5wsZWl4

Related Events

G7 Ministerial Trade Meeting opened on 16 July in Calabria, Italy. The topic of space cooperation could be also discussed, https://www.agenzianova.com/fr/news/g7-d%C3%A9bute-aujourd%27hui-la-r%C3%A9union-de-Villa-San-Giovanni-d%C3%A9di%C3%A9e-au-commerce/
On 11 July, "Seas, oceans and their biodiversity" were the main themes of the fifth working session of the #G7 meeting on science and technology in Bologna. #G7Italy
International Astronautical Congress: The next congress will be held in Milan, Italy, from 14 to 18 October 2024, further strengthening the ties between Italy and Africa in the space sector.

Search This Blog

GMES, and Africa