Libreville hosts africa’s premier space conference to boost innovation and partnerships

The 5th edition of the NewSpace Africa Conference has officially opened in Libreville, bringing together more than 200 companies involved in satellite manufacturing, launch, and commercialization. Organized by Space in Africa in partnership with the African Space Agency and the Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations, the event runs until April 22. It marks the first time such a major space-focused gathering is being held in Central Africa.

Participants from 65 countries have traveled to Gabon with a shared goal: to exchange on the latest space technologies and forge strategic partnerships.

Africa’s Space Ambitions Confront a Development Gap

At the opening session, speakers acknowledged a significant gap between Africa and other regions in the global space sector.

Sémou Diouf, director of the SatNav Africa Joint Program Office, emphasized the urgency of accelerating progress: Africa, he noted, is working intensively to close this gap, with the ambition of securing broader continental participation in satellite navigation systems.

Satellite Data Already Crucial for Aviation Safety

One sector where Africa is already a major user of satellite data is aviation. This is largely driven by the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar, headquartered in Dakar.

Its director, Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, highlighted the importance of satellite technology in ensuring communication coverage and data transmission, both critical for maintaining air navigation safety across the continent.

A Rapidly Growing Space Economy

According to the African Space Agency, based in Egypt, Africa’s space economy is projected to reach $22 billion by 2026 and grow to $35 billion by 2030.

However, experts stress that to fully benefit from this growth, African nations must increase their capacity to develop and launch their own satellites. Currently, only about ten countries on the continent possess such capabilities.

Libreville Conference Aims to Bridge the Gap

The Libreville gathering is seen as a key step toward addressing this shortfall. By fostering collaboration between governments, private companies, and international partners, organizers hope to accelerate Africa’s integration into the global space economy.