Innovate UK, Britain’s national innovation agency, has, in a new report, highlighted that Africa is becoming a hub for globally competitive space technology, development and research. In particular, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa were identified as space sector leaders in Africa.

The report was drawn up after a tour of UK space facilities and companies by space sector experts from South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and pan-African organisations, in December last year. This tour was organised by Innovate UK, under its Global Alliance Africa project, with the support of the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa Fund and the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability.

“From these engagements we found that while our two regions have distinct differences and advantages, there is significant potential for collaboration across the whole space-technology value chain,” highlighted Innovate UK Business Connect Knowledge Transfer Manager for South Africa Alana Kruger. “This ranges from upstream opportunities in rocket launch and component manufacturing, to downstream applications focusing on Earth observation, as well as industry support services in the fields of investment, insurance, and skills training and development.”

South Africa’s design capabilities were highlighted and rated as world class. These were found within startup companies in the country, which produced and supplied sophisticated mission-specific components to satellite manufacturers around the world.

Kenya and Rwanda were both emerging as leaders in space in Africa. In particular, the Kenyan government’s support for the country’s space industry was being recognised as one of the best in the continent.

The report also recognised the need for higher-profile exchanges and knowledge-sharing on space, between UK and African policymakers. This would help in the development of space strategies by African countries. There should be a platform for regular engagements to assist industry to circumvent obstructions to collaboration and trade.

Africa’s space enterprises often had their roots in academic institutions, such as, in South Africa, Stellenbosch University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The report thus also advocated collaboration between UK and African researchers, to strengthen space-related research and development across the continent. Such collaboration would give African researchers, and especially young talent, access to global knowledge.