The program was launched at the Newspace Africa Conference in April 2025, indicating the start of its implementation.
At the EU Space Conference held in Brussels, the European Commission introduced the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, a new initiative aimed at strengthening space cooperation between Europe and Africa. Bolstered by an investment of 100 million euros, the programme is a key component of the EU's global gateway strategy, designed to enhance collaboration and technology exchange in the space sector.
The initiative focuses on three key priorities: First, it seeks to advance green transitions by developing space-based services that enhance early warning systems for dangerous weather and climate-related events. This initiative will significantly improve disaster preparedness and response to Africa, a continent disproportionately affected by climate change. Second, the programme aims to strengthen institutional cooperation between the EU and African countries, improve decision-making processes, and strengthen policy frameworks within the space sector. Finally, this initiative works to strengthen the private sector by promoting innovation, expanding the capacity of the space industry, and creating a space-based data economy that supports sustainable growth across Africa .
The programme will actively engage in services, capacity building and innovation to private companies in Europe. This collaboration not only supports Africa's space ambitions, but also provides new opportunities for European space companies by opening up markets, promoting innovation and increasing the global competitiveness of EU companies. It's expected.
International Partnership Commissioner Joseph Sikera said: “The African-EU Space Partnership Programme is an important part of our collaboration with Africa. We are working together to leverage the power of space technology to address global challenges. The initiative will strengthen Africa's resilience to the outcomes of climate change, but it will drive digitalization, build lasting partnerships, share knowledge, and innovate. Space is a new frontier of progress And through this program, we are making it possible for Africa to enjoy its benefits.”
As a flagship element of the Global Gateway Strategy, the African and EU Space Partnership Programme is consistent with the EU's purpose of supporting digital transformation, supporting digital transformation and promoting climate action through cutting-edge technology and innovation . The program will utilize European space technologies such as Copernicus and Galileo and EGNOS for navigation to support sustainable development in Africa in key sectors such as agriculture, climate surveillance and disaster risk reduction. It also supports Africa's space ambitions through Africa's space policy and strategy, as well as initiatives such as GMES & Africa. This makes it easier to access critical satellite data for monitoring land, water, natural resources, marine and coastal environments.
Based on more than 20 years of EU African cooperation in the space sector, the EU has already invested 2 million euros to advance Africa's space initiative. The new programme will further strengthen agency and private sector capabilities, helping African countries improve environmental surveillance, enhance disaster risk management through advanced early warning systems, and safer through Africa's Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) systems It will support sustainable economic growth, including air traffic management.
The initiative is consistent with the African Union's space policy and strategy, and reflects the joint priorities set out in the African Union-European Union's Innovation Agenda. Recent milestones in the EU-Africa space collaboration include the establishment of the African Space Agency (AFSA) in 2023 and the election of the 2024 Africa Space Council. The first phase of the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme will begin in early 2025 and focus. on institutional and technical capacity building while promoting long-term innovation and development.
The programme has been implemented in collaboration with major organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Meteorological Health and Health Organization (EUMETSAT), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF), and the African Union Commission. (AUC), Aviation Safety Administration of Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) and the African Space Agency (AFSA). Through this partnership, the EU and Africa reaffirm their commitment to using space technology to address shared challenges, promote economic growth and build a sustainable and inclusive future.
