In 2012, the African Union Commission (AUC) established the African Union Space Working Group (AUSWG). Among its five Terms of Reference, the AUSWG was mandated to develop the African Space Policy and Strategy documents. These documents were completed and adopted by African Heads of States and Governments in 2016.
The African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) commends and appreciates the members of the AUSWG, including: Mahama Ouedraogo, Hambani Masheleni, Mokhtar SELLAMI, Andre Nonguierma, Haman Unusa, Jean Bienvenu DINGA, Ayman Ahmed, Islam Abou El-Magd, Taye Abdulkadir Edris, Girma Urgeacha Kussa, Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Prosper Ashilevi, Andoh Michael Afful, Harry Kaane, Paul Baki, Meshack Kinyua, John Sifani, Adigun Ade ABIODUN, Gideon Adogbo, Francis Chizea, Seidu Mohammed, Etim Offiong, Valanathan Munsami, Imraan Saloojee, Adil Suleiman, Noorali Jiwaji, Pascal Waniha, Ridha Guellouz and Tichaona Mangwende. Their commitment, diligence and resilience, ensured that Africa has a continental framework for accessing and utilising space.
Several other African professionals made inputs into the process and final documents, particularly at the validation workshops and consultative sessions. ASLI appreciates these individuals as well.
The African Space Policy and Strategy is the framework for Africa’s continental space priorities, programmes and partnerships. A proper understanding of the content and rationales of these documents, is important for stakeholders and partners.
Also, the African Union (AU) established two bodies for engagement, policy coordination and programme implementation. A division for Science, Technology and Space (STS) was established within the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) of the African Union Commission (AUC). The African Space Agency (AfSA) was also established in 2018, with headquarters in Egypt. It is equally important to understand the mandates and operations of these bodies.
As part of its mission of developing Africa’s capabilities and capacity in space policy, strategy, law, governance and leadership, ASLI has designed a flagship course based on this seminal work. The course on the African Space Policy and Strategy provides insights into Africa’s space policies, programmes, institutions and ecosystem.
