About the Course
In 2012, the African Union (AU) established the African Union Space Working Group (AUSWG) to among other things, develop the African Space Policy and Strategy, as part of efforts towards the formalisation of the African outer space programme. These documents were completed and adopted by African Heads of States and Governments in January 2016. The documents provide a framework for Africa’s space priorities, programmes and partnerships. The African Space Agency (AfSA), with headquarters in Egypt, was then established in 2018, to implement the African outer space programme.
This course is a thorough examination of the African outer space programme within the context of the global space enterprise. The course contains lectures and discussions on the conceptualisation, drafting process and adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy. These are examined within the context of the present and emerging international space governance system. Through the course, participants will gain knowledge and insights into space policy, law and governance.
The Course is taught by expert facilitators including staff of the AU as well as former members of the AUSWG.
The course modules and content are designed to accommodate people from different academic and professional backgrounds. Live sessions take place virtually for the convenience of the participants. Also, there are non-live interactive sessions.
Structure
Module 1: A Primer on Outer Space
Module 2: International Space Governance
Module 3: A Primer on Space Policy Making
Module 4: The African Outer Space Programme
Schedule
Nov 2: Introductory Session
Nov 3: The Outer Space Environment
Nov 9: Principles of Drafting Space Policy and Strategy
Nov 10: Outer Space Treaties and Principles
Nov 16: Satellites and Orbits
Nov. 17: Africa, Pan-Africanism and the AU
Nov 23: Agenda Setting and Decision Making in the AU
Nov 24: Drafting of the African Space Policy and Strategy
Nov 30: AU Space Programmes
Dec. 1: Governance of Space Activities in Africa
Expected learning outcomes
Appreciate Africa’s history and heritage
- Understand the African Union, its structure and operations
Understand the nexus between space policy development and socioeconomic development
Learn principles and application of space policy, strategy, law and governance
Develop knowledge and skills for leadership
Benefits of participation
Gain knowledge in space policymaking, law and governance
Earn a certificate in African Space Policy and Strategy
Become part of the ASLI Network
Facilitators
Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun (Founder, African Space Foundation; and former member of AUSWG)
Prof. James Chibueze (University of South Africa, South Africa)
Dr. Anastasia Gbem (Legal Adviser, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency)
- Prof. Keith Gottschalk (University of Western Cape, South Africa)
- Dr. Valanathan Munsami (Cofounder, ASLI; and former Chair of AUSWG)
- Mr. Etim Offiong (Cofounder, ASLI; and former member of AUSWG)
- Ms. Lami Omale (Office of the Legal Counsel, African Union Commission)
- Dr. Taiwo Tejumola (International Space University, Strasbourg, France)
Time
3-5pm Pretoria time
Venue
Virtual platforms
Course fee
ZAR 2,550