Africa Space Expo drives practical space technology applications

The Africa Space Expo (ASPEX), recently concluded in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, focused on the practical application of space technology to address food security, climate resilience, connectivity, and maritime security. Rather than focusing on astronautics, the event served as a marketplace for startups, investors, and project labs to transition space-based ideas into deployment.

Key diplomatic developments included the Ivory Coast signing the Artemis Accords, making it the 75th signatory of the international agreement on space exploration. Additionally, Angola signed a letter of intent regarding space cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.

The expo also highlighted the ongoing efforts of nations like Ghana to transition from being consumers of space technology to developers. Ghana has utilized partnerships, such as one with South Africa, to repurpose infrastructure, including converting a 32-metre antenna at Kuntunse into a functioning radio telescope.