The agreement commits AfSA and CNES to jointly advance space-based solutions, prioritising Earth observation applications designed to support Africa’s development objectives.

The African Space Agency (AfSA) and France’s Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) have strengthened their long-standing partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding, marking a renewed commitment to advancing Africa’s space ambitions. The agreement underscores a shared vision to leverage space technologies in support of the continent’s development priorities and long-term resilience.

The MoU was signed on behalf of AfSA by H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council. The signing ceremony was attended by senior diplomatic representatives, including H.E. Ambassador Ali Drouiche, African Union Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States and Head of the AU Cairo Office, and H.E. Ambassador Éric Chevallier, France’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Through the agreement, AfSA and CNES have committed to closer cooperation in the development and deployment of space-based solutions, with a focus on areas critical to Africa’s growth. These include Earth observation applications designed to address African development needs, capacity-building and training initiatives to strengthen technical expertise across the continent, and the promotion of public-private collaboration to stimulate innovation and commercial partnerships.

The partnership is intended to reinforce institutional and technical cooperation while supporting Africa’s broader socio-economic objectives. By encouraging private-sector participation, the agreement also aims to advance the peaceful, sustainable, and responsible use of outer space, positioning space activities as a catalyst for innovation and economic opportunity.

Both organisations highlighted that the MoU reflects a shared belief in space as a strategic tool for development, skills enhancement, and resilience. The strengthened cooperation is expected to further consolidate Africa’s role as a coordinated and credible actor within the global space ecosystem, enhancing its participation in international space governance and collaboration.