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NNAJI URGES AFRICAN NATIONS TO LEVERAGE ON SPACE ECONOMY FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has called on African nations to rise to the challenge of shaping the future through space technology, describing it as no longer a luxury for elite nations, but a necessity for meaningful development across the globe.
He made the call while declaring ope the the 2025 edition of the ‘Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition’, held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in Abuja.
Chief Nnaji said, Africa must move from the sidelines to the centre stage of the global space race in view of its numerous benefits.
According to him space-based solutions are already revolutionising how countries tackle climate change, disaster response, agricultural planning, communication, and national security.
The Honourable Minister however emphasized that collaboration is non-negotiable in this pursuit as no single country alone, can build a viable space economy.
He called for deeper partnerships between governments, private sector players, academia, and international allies, urging the African continent to share knowledge, pool resources, and build collective capacity to leapfrog development barriers.
In his welcome address, the co host and Director General/Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju emphasized the critical need for Africa to transition from consumer to contributor in the rapidly expanding global Space economy.
Dr. Adepoju stated that the world is developing rapidly and the future of Space belongs to those audacious enough to innovate, and Africa must not be left behind.
The NASRDA Boss said emergence of African players such as Proforce, Galaxies Space, OrbitWorks, MonacoSAT, MINOSPACE, and NASRDA’s in-house ventures, GEOAPPS and MilkyWay Visuals, are all tapping into the vast potential of the Space industry.
Dr Adepoju explained that NASRDA is adopting forward thinking models, to promote private sector growth and sustainable growth, such as the development of Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS), an open access platform which enables satellite operators to use NASRDA’s ground infrastructure without heavy capital investment.
He commended the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry who doubles as co-host of the conference, along with the local organizing committee, for delivering a stellar event poised to reshape the continent’s path toward lasting prosperity.
Also speaking at the event, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu said the space economy is no longer science fiction but a trillion-dollar reality and Nigeria must position itself as a key player or risk being left behind.
He said with targeted investment, innovation-friendly policies, and strong public-private partnerships, Nigeria’s space sector could inject over $1 billion annually into the GDP of the country by the late 2020s.
Chief Obegolu explained that African Space Economy forum is more than a conference but a launchpad for African businesses to tap into satellite-driven growth, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.
In his keynote address, the Executive Director of the African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU/STRC), Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, represented by Dr. Kyari Mohammed called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to actively support research in space science and technology, emphasizing its critical role in driving innovation and development across Africa.
He commended the organisers of the Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition for convening such a timely and impactful event, stating that it reflects a growing recognition of Africa’s stake in the global space economy.
Dr. Hamdy further stressed the importance of translating the insights and resolutions from the conference into actionable plans, urging stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes are not only documented but diligently pursued to full implementation.
In a goodwill message, the Group Managing Director, Proforce Galaxies Ltd, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin noted that Space is now Africa’s most powerful tool for securing borders, managing disasters, and enabling real-time intelligence.
He added that from tracking pirate ships in the Gulf of Guinea to creating digital twins for tactical operations, space technology is fast becoming the backbone of modern continental security.
Engr. Ogundeyin said commercializing space isn’t a luxury but strategic necessity for safeguarding Africa’s sovereignty and transforming security infrastructure across the continent.
Highlights of the event was a tour of exhibition stand by the Honorable Minister and other dignitaries dignitaries at the historic occasion..
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