Africa is set to benefit from a €100m space partnership with the European Union, aimed at tackling climate change, improving disaster response, and boosting innovation. The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, announced at the EU Space Conference in Brussels, will launch in April 2025 at the NewSpace Africa Conference.
The initiative, part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, will support Africa’s green transition, strengthen institutional cooperation, and develop the private space sector. By leveraging European space technologies such as Copernicus for Earth observation and Galileo for navigation, the programme will enhance climate monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable agriculture.
Climate Resilience and Innovation at the Core
Africa faces disproportionate climate risks, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent. The new programme will develop early warning systems to improve disaster preparedness and response. Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said “This initiative will strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate change, drive digitalisation, and help us build lasting partnerships. Space is the new frontier of progress, and we are ensuring Africa can benefit from it.”
Beyond climate action, the programme will foster innovation, creating a space-based data economy and supporting African entrepreneurs and startups in the space sector.
Strengthening Institutional and Private Sector Collaboration
The EU has already invested €200m in Africa’s space initiatives over two decades. The new partnership will further enhance cooperation between African and European institutions, refining policy frameworks and decision-making in the space sector.
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The programme will also involve European private companies, helping them expand into Africa’s emerging space market. This collaboration is expected to boost job creation, drive innovation, and increase Europe’s global competitiveness.
The initiative supports the African Union’s Space Policy and Strategy, as well as projects like GMES & Africa, which provides satellite data for monitoring land, water, and natural resources. Key milestones include the establishment of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in 2023 and the election of the African Space Council in 2024.
The programme will be implemented with organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), and the African Union Commission (AUC).
With the first phase set to begin in early 2025, the EU and Africa are reaffirming their commitment to using space technology to drive sustainable development, climate action, and economic growth.
