Space Network has announced the launch of Space Network | Africa. The initiative is set to promote space-based economic growth, innovation and education across the African continent, positioning Africa as a key player in the global space sector.
Africa's rapidly growing high-tech population is over 60% under the age of 25, establishing space networks | Africa is timely. The initiative aims to support Africa's untapped talent, resources and innovation potential, promote economic growth, technological advancement, global competitiveness, and ultimately benefit the population.
Space Network Chief Operating Officer Ross Hamilton said, “Starting Space Networks | Africa is transforming for the continent. By integrating talent and resources from across the continent, we aim to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable, impactful space economy.
Space Network | Africa aims to establish a market that promotes global connections between space companies, universities, research institutes, innovators, African space institutions and investors, creating vibrant regional clusters. The strategic commercial partnership between Pan-African Space Incubator and international organizations aims to further support this vision. Space Network | Africa also aims to connect the global North to promote global North innovation.
Thabo Kupa, newly appointed hub manager of the Space Network | Africa said, “Our ambitions are bold, but our approach is focused. Space Network | We are dedicated to accelerating Africa's commercial spatial capabilities by establishing Africa, fostering regional clusters, working together in policy and regulatory frameworks, and attracting global investment.”
Additionally, Space Network | Africa's Education Initiative aims to create a continuous pipeline of talent, leading to professional development all the way to primary education. The initial programme includes online education modules developed in a strategic partnership with NOVA space, along with in-person pilot projects in schools in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, employing regional, cultural and linguistic needs to create a comprehensive platform across Africa.
“Our education initiatives aim to inspire Africans of all ages, from school children to aspiring space experts. By linking global expertise with local contexts, African youth have a dynamic career in the global space economy,” said Alan Okos, the leading educational program.
Joseph Horvath, co-founder and CEO of Nova Space Inc, said, “Nova Space is excited to partner with Africa to provide high-quality space training and support the growth of Africa's emerging space workforce. We believe this collaboration represents a powerful step towards building a truly global space community.
Space Network | The program focused on African innovation is aimed at bridging education and industry and providing hands-on experience through satellite builds, innovation bootcamps and entrepreneurship competitions. Notable projects include collaborations with the Cube SAT maker of the multi-country satellite design program, the Regional Space Grant Consortium, and the upcoming “Space for Africa Challenge” of the upcoming “Africa Challenge.”
“The collaboration with Space Network | Africa will rapidly expand innovative opportunities across the continent, promote commercial viability and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs in the space industry,” said Kwaku Sumah, innovation leader and CEO of SpaceHubs Africa.
Space Network | With Alan Okos (Education), Kwak Suma (Innovation), and Joshua Kishiangani, co-chaired by Ross Hamilton and Tabo Kupa
pilot strategic orientation and program delivery. Founded Space Network | African ambassadors include former Kenya ambassadors, The Hague, Margaret WN Shava and well-known venture capitalist Eric Ossiakwan.
Space Network CEO and founder Andy Campbell has expressed his enthusiasm for the landmark launch. “We are extremely pleased to announce the creation of the Space Network.
