The Addis Space Forum (ASF) is a forum that brings together policymakers, diplomats, space agencies, international organisations, academia, industry leaders, and development partners to advance Africa’s role in global space governance and promote space cooperation as a tool for sustainable development, peace, and regional integration. The initiative is a collaboration between the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI), Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia.

The rapid advancement of space science and technology has transformed how nations address national, regional and global challenges, including climate resilience, disaster management, food security, environmental protection, and digital connectivity. Beyond its scientific and technological value, outer space has emerged as an important tool for international cooperation, diplomacy, peace-building, and sustainable development. In the recognition of the strategic importance of outer space, the African Union selected the African Outer Space Programme as one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063; adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy in 2016; and established the African Space Agency (AfSA) in 2018. 

As Africa continues to expand its space aspirations and capabilities, there is an increasing need for structured dialogue and collaboration to strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global space affairs. Effective space diplomacy can promote cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, support peaceful uses of outer space, and ensure that African priorities are reflected in international decision-making processes.

Following the success of the first edition held in 2025, the forthcoming 2nd Addis Space Forum, scheduled for 19th-21st November 2026, is aimed at harmonising African positions, positions, policies and programmes, as well as prepare for international engagements such as the 4th United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE IV), World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-2027) and the 2027 UN Climate Change Conference (COP32).

Addis Ababa – Africa’s Space Diplomacy Capital

Addis Ababa possesses a unique diplomatic and institutional ecosystem that positions it as a natural hub for space diplomacy in Africa. It hosts the headquarters of the African Union (AU) and its secretariat – the African Union Commission (AUC), which also supervises the African Space Agency (AfSA). Virtually all the 55 African countries have embassies in Addis Ababa; the heads of these missions form the AU’s Permanent Representative Council (PRC).

In addition, Addis Ababa hosts the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). It also hosts the regional offices of space-related institutions such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and the East Africa region of the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD). 

Furthermore, Addis Ababa hosts numerous international organisations, development institutions, research centres, and non-governmental organisations that rely on or benefit from space-based applications. Combined with its historical role as a symbol of African unity and diplomacy, these factors make Addis Ababa an ideal location for advancing continental dialogue on the peaceful, sustainable, and cooperative use of outer space.

Benefits of the initiative

Beyond its diplomatic significance, the 2nd Addis Space Forum will contribute to strengthening human capacity, fostering international partnerships, promoting investment and innovation, and encouraging greater use of space applications for national, regional and international development.

Specific benefits include, but not limited to:

1. knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaboration among policymakers, decision-makers, professionals, practitioners and stakeholders;
2. serve as a platform for African countries to coordinate and align their national space policies and interests, thereby creating a path for intra-African space cooperation;
3. provide a means for African countries to align their space activities with international treaties and conventions, thereby creating room for international cooperation in space exploration and utilisation;
4. educate leaders to better understand roles, privileges and responsibilities regarding the use and exploration of outer space, ensuring that their interests are safeguarded in international agreements and negotiations;
5. enable Africa to effectively engage, sharing its unique perspectives and experiences in global space governance, thus enhance Africa’s role and voice in the international community;
6. serve as a platform for inspiring the next generation of professionals, policymakers, and innovators by providing direct engagement with leading experts and institutions from around the world.