Africa is rapidly emerging as a significant player in space-related activities. Presently, 22 African nations boast space agencies and 59 African satellites are already in orbit. Although Africa has yet to develop its own launch capabilities, plans for spaceports on the continent are actively underway.

However, Africa is not alone in its space ambitions. The continent’s journey into space is supported by a network of regional and global partnerships, both public and private, aimed at helping African nations achieve their economic and political space goals. In 2021, the African space economy was valued at approximately $19.5 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach $22.64 billion by 2026.

The newly established African Space Agency, headquartered in Egypt, is a key contributor to the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This agenda underscores the critical role of space in Africa’s development, with the AU’s space policy and strategy being one of 15 key programs within this visionary plan.

To achieve accelerated economic and social development, many African countries actively seek support from major global space powers such as China, Russia, and the United States. This support includes access to equipment, launch facilities, and research collaborations, with companies like SpaceX, led by South African-born Elon Musk, playing a pivotal role. Moreover, several African institutions, in partnership with global entities, have set their sights on lunar exploration and beyond, endeavors that carry significant diplomatic implications.

Africa’s quest for transformational change increasingly intertwines with efforts to bridge the digital divide. The continent was an early adopter of satellite technology for mobile phone networks, bypassing the costly infrastructure of copper wire and fiber optics. Today, access to the Internet is essential for almost every technological solution, from telemedicine and digital education to financial systems and AI applications.

SpaceX’s Starlink, a groundbreaking space-based connectivity solution, is leading the charge in connecting Africa to the global digital landscape. On August 28, Starlink announced via X (formerly Twitter) that Botswana and Ghana became the 14th and 15th African countries to be connected to its service, bringing the global total to 105 countries. However, Starlink’s dominance has sparked debates over local ownership in telecommunications, with some countries, like Kenya, negotiating exceptions to local ownership requirements in deals with SpaceX. Governments also express concerns about their inability to control the content accessed by their citizens through such platforms, which poses potential security threats.

Regarding security, satellites play a crucial role in various aspects of governance and daily life, from communications and financial systems to weather observation and security. Satellites are invaluable for monitoring agriculture, coastal areas, and the movement of militant groups, as well as for search and rescue operations. For citizens, satellite technology underpins services like GPS, which many now take for granted.

A select few African militaries, including those of Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, operate their own dedicated or dual-use military satellites. These satellites enhance capabilities in communications, intelligence gathering, navigation, and precision-guided strikes.

While Africa has developed its own nanosatellites, constructing more advanced satellites often involves international partnerships. For instance, Morocco recently finalized a $1 billion deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire two new Earth observation satellites. This acquisition is part of Morocco’s strategy to enhance its intelligence and surveillance capabilities amid regional geopolitical challenges. These new satellites will replace the older Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B satellites, developed by the Airbus Defence and Space France and Thales Alenia Space France consortium.

The ability to leave Earth’s confines is essential to harness the benefits of space fully. In this regard, Africa’s contracts with countries like Russia, China, and the United States are critical. According to a recent report by Space in Africa, African satellite contracts between 1998 and 2023 totaled $1.4 billion, with China and Russia being the primary beneficiaries. Additionally, out of 187 space collaboration agreements with African institutions from 2001 to 2023, 58 were with Chinese and Russian entities, while 27 involved American institutions.

Africa’s ambitions extend even further, with significant engagement in China and Russia’s lunar programs. One of the most notable efforts is the China National Space Administration’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), supported by Russia’s Roscosmos. The ILRS aims to establish a primary station at the lunar south pole by 2035, with South Africa and Egypt contributing to the project. Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology also joined the Chinese Moon project in April.

Meanwhile, the United States, eager to strengthen ties with Africa, has promoted the NASA-led Artemis program and initiatives like the U.S.-Africa Space Forum. These efforts have received mixed reactions, with Angola, Nigeria, and Rwanda being the only African signatories to the Artemis Accords, which outline principles for responsible space activities.

As Africa looks to the skies, the continent is taking the next logical step: developing its own space launch capabilities. This move promises numerous benefits, with reduced costs being paramount. South Africa’s University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute announced plans to establish commercial space launch capabilities by 2028 at the Denel Overberg Test Range near South Africa’s Western Cape province in May. On the opposite side of the continent, Djibouti announced plans in 2023 for a $1 billion spaceport to be built over the next five years in partnership with the Chinese company Hong Kong Aerospace Technology.

The United States is keen not to miss out on future African space projects. Expect more individual American states, such as Texas, and private U.S. companies to lead the charge. Movement is already visible, with the first-ever Nigerian astronaut set to travel to space aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin New Shepard rocket, launching from West Texas. Additionally, Texas’ newly formed Space Commission and its leading universities will likely seek partnerships with African institutions to position Texas as a global leader in the expanding space industry.

Africa’s increasing engagement in space-related initiatives offers a wealth of opportunities for cultural, economic, educational, and scientific cooperation. These developments promise not only domestic advancements but also a strengthening of Africa’s diplomatic relations on the global stage.