Egypt inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in Cairo on Sunday, marking a milestone in Africa's joint action and a paradigm shift in the possession of future tools, especially in the fields of technology and policies of outer space, according to Egypt Today.
The agency aims to address challenges facing the African continent by collecting and analyzing information in areas such as food security, crop production, ecosystems, and disease prevention, while providing applied programs and ensuring access to space-based data and services.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour; CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, Sherif Sedky; representatives from the African Union; and foreign ambassadors. High-ranking officials from Arab and foreign space agencies were also present.
"This is a historic moment," said Minister Ayman Ashour, stating that the agency is not just a scientific institution but a strategic step towards building a more advanced and prosperous future for the peoples of the continent. He emphasized that the space industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and noted that Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the region working in the field of space technology.
"These developments enhance the integration and unification of efforts for space programs among African countries to maximize benefits for all countries of the continent," Ashour said. He expressed hope that the African Space Agency would be an effective tool for achieving digital transformation, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing technological progress throughout the continent. "We aspire for internet services to extend to cover all parts of the African continent, and for the agency to contribute to digitizing governmental and service institutions, enhancing performance efficiency and bringing services closer to the citizen," he added.
Ashour also pointed out that space technology is not just a specialized sector but a field that intersects with branches of engineering and basic sciences. He noted that the space city in Egypt has all the necessary infrastructure for a satellite assembly and testing center for satellites weighing over one ton, a space operations center, and data reception stations from satellites. He emphasized that the space city includes capabilities such as the establishment of a free zone, a zone for companies, and a zone for the space industry.
Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, stated that the inauguration of the African Space Agency marks a milestone in the history of Africa. "The AfSA will serve as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and progress for all African nations," Sedky said, according to News China.
The African Space Agency was established in 2016 by a decision of African heads of state and government to coordinate space cooperation between Africa and Europe and other international partners. In 2019, the African Union designated Egypt as the permanent host of the agency after it met the necessary political and technical criteria, recognizing its pioneering role in scientific research and space technology.
The establishment of the African Space Agency aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, embodying the vision of "The Africa We Want" and representing a step in joint African cooperation. The agency aims to enhance the continent's capabilities in space technologies to support sustainable social and economic development in accordance with the African Union's vision.
On the sidelines of the celebration, memorandums of understanding were signed between the African Space Agency and the European Space Agency, the UAE Space Agency, and the Russian governmental space agency Roscosmos. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation, integration, exchange of experiences, and capacity building to achieve the visions and ambitions of the African continent.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Chairperson of the African Space Agency, was present at the opening and expressed his happiness and pride in this event. He confirmed the importance of the agency, its role, vision, and its mission to address the challenges facing the African continent. Ouattara appreciated the establishment of the edifice and equipping it with infrastructure and modern technological means.
The agency seeks to develop the space capabilities of African countries and achieve social and economic development in accordance with the African Union's vision. It will facilitate the exchange of expertise among African countries and promote knowledge exchange to build technical capacities in space science and technology across the continent. The African Space Agency will also work to unify African positions in international forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations, to improve space missions across the continent.
Ashour stressed the importance of collaboration with academic institutions, research centers, and global space agencies. He stated, "We aspire to develop early warning systems that enable us to face risks and disasters; to protect lives, property, infrastructure, and problems resulting from climate change, in addition to the agency's significant role in supporting development efforts through the optimal use of natural resources, opening new horizons for production and investment, and being a beacon for innovation and progress."
The inauguration reflects Egypt's commitment to leadership in African development through space technology and underscores its key role in advancing continental cooperation in space science and technology. The African Space Agency will help build capacities in space science and technology across African countries, providing applied programs in multiple fields, including food security, crop production and distribution, ecosystems and biodiversity, and disease prevention.
Ashour cited international reports that confirmed the necessity for the African continent to move confidently towards serious investment in the vital space sector.
The African Space Agency will serve as the main entity coordinating Africa's space cooperation with Europe and other international agencies, acting as the primary contact center for Africa's collaboration in the field of space. It aims to ensure equitable access to satellite data and services for all African countries, enhancing space missions across the continent.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.