The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has signed a partnership agreement with its counterpart in Gabon, the Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observations Spatiales (AGEOS). This partnership will help further develop the capabilities of the satellite ground station in the West African country. AGEOS’ ground station is located at Nkok, about 27 km east of the country’s capital, Libreville.

“Working with Gabon in developing a strategic space infrastructure ensures that Africa develops the necessary space capability to elevate the continent amongst other space nations,” affirmed SANSA CEO Humbulani Mudau.

“The development of centres of expertise in the space sector relies on close collaboration between African States,” highlighted AGEOS general director Dr Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui. “This collaboration, supported by a strong network, will enable the structures or agencies in each country to strengthen their skills in order to meet the needs of their populations and Africa as a whole. In this context, skill development is crucial. South Africa, with its advanced infrastructure and expertise, is well-positioned to support Gabon and other African countries in reaching a global technical level that will enhance the continent’s competitiveness. Earth observation must play a central role in providing opportunities for African youth, reducing unemployment, and contributing to sustainable development across Africa.”

Gabon and South Africa both had geographical locations that were significant, when it came to ground facilities supporting space operations. Augmenting AGEOS’ capabilities would increase Africa’s opportunities in the global space business.

SANSA had a vision of developing an integrated national space capability that could, by 2030, also respond to wider African socioeconomic challenges. To this end, last week the South African agency hosted representatives of 11 other African space agencies, taking them on tours of SANSA facilities in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces. In addition to Gabon, the other countries represented were Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Sudan and Zambia.

“The key objective of hosting the Heads of African space agencies is to strengthen and deepen our existing partnerships and establish important new partnerships with African space agencies,” explained Mudau.