At a Glance
- Africa launches first space agency to boost climate resilience and satellite data access.
- New Cairo-based agency to expand early warning systems and cross-border climate collaboration.
- AfSA launch follows USAID cuts, accelerating Africa’s self-reliant space and weather monitoring efforts.
Africa has officially launched its first continental space agency, a major step toward boosting the continent’s climate resilience and space sovereignty.
The African Space Agency (AfSA), based in Cairo, is set to coordinate national satellite programs, strengthen Earth observation systems, and promote cross-border data sharing at a time when global funding gaps are jeopardizing climate and disaster preparedness.
“We’re creating a framework that brings all African Union states to the table,” said Meshack Kinyua, AfSA’s head of capacity building.
“This will scale efforts across the continent, making climate and weather data more accessible and actionable.”
Satellites to strengthen climate adaptation and early warning
Africa contributes the least to global emissions but is among the most vulnerable to climate shocks. Limited access to high-resolution weather data hampers early warning systems and long-term planning.
AfSA plans to tackle these challenges by deploying satellites, upgrading weather stations, and building expertise in satellite data processing.
Current initiatives include scaling West Africa’s early warning system for fishermen and expanding coverage across the Congo Basin.
The agency is also working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to train African engineers and collaborate on satellite missions.
USAID cuts underscore Africa’s push for self-reliance
AfSA’s launch follows the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, a key funder of African programs.
With over 80 percent of USAID projects canceled, critical initiatives like SERVIR—a USAID-NASA partnership tackling climate change, food security, and disaster response—were significantly impacted.
“Data gaps will always exist,” said Kinyua. “It’s time Africa fills some of these ourselves through collaboration and homegrown innovation.”
Africa’s growing space footprint
Since Egypt launched its first satellite in 1998, over 20 African nations have established space agencies, with 18 countries launching 63 satellites.
Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have paved the way. Now, AfSA will act as a central coordinator, ensuring resources are pooled and expertise is shared.
“Building satellites isn’t cheap—costs can hit €800 million ($907 million)—but not every country needs to build one,” said Benjamin Koetz of ESA. “Collaboration is key.”
Funded on a project-by-project basis by the African Union, the agency aims to scale quickly by leveraging existing talent and infrastructure.
“We don’t have to start from scratch anymore,” said Danielle Wood of MIT. “This is Africa’s moment to move faster—and together.”
