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NIGERIA, KENYA FORGE STRONGER TIES TO ADVANCE AFRICA’S SPACE ECOSYSTEM
The Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has said that collaboration among African countries is key to strengthening the continent’s space ecosystem.
He made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Kenyan Space Agency, led by its Director General, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey at NASRDA’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Adepoju while stating that standing alone stunts growth, pointed that close collaboration between Nigeria and Kenya will not only strengthen both nations’ space ecosystems but will also secure greater support from the African Union for their respective space programmes.
In a Press Statement by the Director, Media and Corporate Communications of the Space Agency, Dr Felix Ale,the NASRDA Boss explained that the space economy is a major driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Africa must unite to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers, lest it be left behind as in past industrial revolutions.
Dr Adepoju noted that NASRDA is committed to developing indigenous technologies through partnerships rather than copying or appropriating innovations.
While commending his Kenyan counterpart for seeking collaboration with Nigeria, Dr. Adepoju affirmed that the Nigerian Space Programme is robust and capable of supporting a wide range of areas of mutual interest for both nations.
Dr. Adepoju revealed that NASRDA has received approval to mainstream space science and technology across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, a milestone he believes can equally be replicated in Kenya.
According to him, the Agency possesses the capacity and expertise to deliver cutting-edge services in diverse areas including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Mapping, Forestry, and several other sectors.
The NASRDA boss also constituted a committee to advance negotiations and draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed in the near future.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Kenyan Space Agency, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey emphasized the importance of Strengthening intra-African engagements in the Space sector, stating that the ties between Kenya and Nigeria date back to the post-independence era and should be further strengthened through Science, Technology, and Innovation.
While acknowledging NASRDA’s journey, with both successes and challenges in its projects, Brig. Kipkosgey called for the pursuit of mutual initiatives that would allow African nations to leverage each other’s capacities and resources.
He described the proposed partnership as an exchange program that would enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint research between both African Space entities.
The Director of the Strategic Space Applications Department, Dr. Godstime James, while delivering a presentation, highlighted NASRDA’s numerous achievements in applying space science and technology to advance agriculture, and environmental monitoring, educational interventions, and other critical sectors.
He also reviewed the satellites launched by NASRDA over the past 25 years, noting their impact on national development, and disclosed that four additional satellites have been approved for launch in the coming months.
Dr. James said, these assets can be strategically leveraged to support the Kenyan Space Agency in building capacity and enhancing its own programme.
Highpoint of the event were exchange of gifts by both Directors General and a tour of NASRDA’s facilities.
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