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EXPERTS ADVOCATE DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR CONTINENTAL SECURITY AND PROSPERITY
Top industry experts and key stakeholders have made a clarion call for the development and commercialization of space technology across Africa, emphasizing that the continent’s future prosperity, sovereignty, and security hinge on its ability to transform space science into a viable economic engine.
The call came during a presentation cum high-level panel discussion on the topic “commercializing space technology for National and Continental security- challenges and opportunities, at the ongoing African Space Economy Conference (ASEC) 2025.
The experts agreed that for Africa to secure its place in the global knowledge economy, there must be deliberate and strategic efforts to harness the commercial potential of its growing space capabilities.
While delivering a compelling presentation that preceeded the debate, the Group Managing Director PROFORCE Galaxies Limited, Engineer Ade Ogundeyin noted that while Africa has made commendable strides in satellite launches, the commercial dimension of the space sector remains grossly underdeveloped.
According to him,the global space economy was valued at $3 billion in 2017 and is projected to exceed $2.5 trillion by 2050 adding that Africa, blessed with its youth-driven population and geostrategic location, must act now to claim its rightful share in this cosmic economy.
He outlined a bold roadmap to propel the continent forward, including public-private partnerships, structured capacity building, progressive regulatory frameworks, and fair international treaties.
In his contribution , the Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Adepoju emphasized that the real key to wealth creation lies in a nation’s ability to identify and solve its unique societal problems.
He pointed out that Africa’s young people must begin to view every societal challenge as a disguised opportunity and an open invitation for innovative, market-driven solutions that could unlock sustainable economic value.
According to the panelists, Africa’s future space agenda must go beyond government-led initiatives to embrace private-sector participation, research commercialization, and regional cooperation.
They urged African governments to develop enabling environments where innovation can thrive and where space science is not just for exploration, but for building economies, empowering youth, enhancing security, and ensuring food sustainability.
The African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition 2025 is co- hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, with the aim of
expanding Africa’s revenue base through investment in space science and technology.
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