Africa and the Space Arena

Abstract

In order to take stock of Africa’s progress in the space arena, and to determine how far advanced the space sector is across the continent, this chapter provides the foundation for the subsequent study of the African space ecosystem. The continent’s political background and context is examined, with particular emphasis on the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities that constitute its key organs. This is followed by a discussion of the general socio-economic situation (including the African economy and promise of the “digital renaissance”) within a framework of the primary needs approach to African space activities. These identify priority areas of critical importance, which must be supported by space if it is to make a meaningful contribution to Africa’s development and the lives of ordinary Africans. The identified areas are climate and biodiversity, health, water, education, and space-related capacity building. Alongside this, concepts of ubuntu (a uniquely African worldview), and emerging middle powers, are utilised as novel frameworks to be drawn on throughout the subsequent chapters. Throughout the discussion, focus is placed on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as the core policy document on a continental level that will guide Africa towards a sustainable development future, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods used for ranking African space capabilities are reviewed, as is the background of African space activities up to the end of the twentieth century. The chapter concludes with a review of the African Space Policy and Strategy that frames Africa’s “Astronaissance”, followed by a review of debates around the establishment of an African Space Agency.