African Outer Space Programme
Aim
The African Outer Space Flagship purposes to create a well-coordinated and integrated continental programme that is responsive to the social, economic, political and environmental needs of the continent, as well as being globally competitive. It also aims to develop a regulatory framework that supports the African space agenda and ensures that the continent is a responsible and peaceful user of outer space. The Arab Republic of Egypt will host the continental African Space Agency.
Progress to-date
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The African Union convenes annual space dialogues with African space actors, and in the process, two documents have been produced:
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Priority areas of implementation by the African Outer Space Programme; and
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Study on Structural and Financial implications for African Space Agency.
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Two of the four baseline studies were carried out for developing operational programmes and missions. The studies are:
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Comprehensive Study on African Private Sector in Earth Observation, Geospatial and Allied Technologies; and
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Gap Analysis Study on Navigation and Positioning in Africa.
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The African Earth Observation (EO) System was strengthened to improve management of the environment. This was undertaken through the Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (GMES) & Africa programme.
Challenges
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Delays in consideration of the structural and financial implications of the African Space Agency.
Next Steps
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Facilitate accelerated consideration of structural and financial implications of the African Space Agency;
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Mobilise resources, including from the host country, for launching and subsequently implementing the African Space Agency;
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Support Member States, RECs and other institutions to operationalise the African Space Agency, including capacity building in areas such as earth observation; satellite communication, navigation and positioning, and space science and astronomy, as articulated in the African Space Policy and Strategy.