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AfSA’s leadership team comprises pioneers in space science and policy, dedicated to advancing Africa’s role in global space exploration.
A crucial part of AfSA’s governance structure is the African Space Council, inaugurated during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly. The Council is tasked with providing leadership and oversight to AfSA’s operations. It comprises ten members, two from each of Africa’s five regions, ensuring that all parts of the continent have a voice in the agency’s decision-making processes.
Côte d'Ivoire
His Excellency, Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Sherbrooke (Canada), obtained in 2001 and 1996, respectively. He also holds a master’s degree in Physical Geography from the University of Cocody-Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).
H.E. Dr. Ouattara was elected President of the African Space Agency Council in February 2024. Fluent in both English and French, he has extensive experience in international relations and business development, research and development, strategic policy formulation, and program management related to the environment, natural resources, and science and technology.
Positions Held:
•President of the African Space Agency Council (since February 2024).
•At the African Union Commission (2016–present):
•Acting Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
•Head of the Science, Technology, and Space Division.
•Space Science Expert and Coordinator of the African Space Program and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (GMES & Africa) program.
•At the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada (2010–2016):
•Chief Manager, Planning and Coordination Section for Landscape and Ecosystem Assessment, Canadian Wildlife Service.
•At the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada (2002–2004 and 2006–2010):
•Senior Science and Policy Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Scientist.
•Head of the Knowledge Management Unit, Bilateral and Multilateral Strategies.
•Manager of the Canadian Digital Elevation Model Program.
•At the Canadian Space Agency (2004–2006):
•Manager of International Relations, responsible for Africa, Central and South America, and the United Nations.
•Oversaw portfolios related to Earth observation, navigation and positioning, robotics, and space sciences.
•Lecturer at the University of Sherbrooke (1996–2001).
Malawi
Ms Thandikile Chisala Mbvundula is a senior executive and visionary leader with over 35 years of transformative experience in strategic business management and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) across Africa. Her academic credentials in Control Systems and Computing Science and Information Systems Management, respectively, from leading UK universities, coupled with her extensive hands-on experience in implementing innovative solutions in over 120 organisations, underscore her proficiency in finance, administration, and strategic operations.
Ms Mbvundula founded Malawi’s first commercial internet service provider and the first woman-owned ISP on the continent, Epsilon & Omega, in 1994, earning her recognition in Africa’s digital landscape as one of Africa’s Internet pioneers. Her accomplishments include further advocating for policy change to enhance digital accessibility in the region and facilitating negotiations for the establishment of impactful initiatives such as the East African Submarine Cable System – EASSy.
She served as CEO of NICO Technologies, Executive Manager for the NEPAD e-Africa Commission and as the ICT Programme Manager at OSISA, where she coordinated initiatives for the ICT sector in 10 Southern African countries. Currently, she serves as an independent ICT4D consultant, specialising in enhancing ICT penetration in Malawi. Ms Mbvundula has held several advisory roles at national and continental levels and has advised high-ranking officials at the government and policy levels, served on advisory committees with institutions like the African Union, UNECA, SADC and multiple development agencies and on multiple boards across institutions on the continent. With her extensive network, collaborative spirit, and dedication to scientific and technological development in Africa, she brings invaluable insights, strategic acumen and perspectives to the Space sector.
She was appointed Chair of the Task Force to establish the Malawi Space Agency in 2023.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Control Systems and Computing Science from the University of Sheffield and a master’s in Information Systems Management from the University of Liverpool. Currently, she is an independent ICT4D consultant, specialising in developing, designing, and reviewing policies and strategies for enhancing ICT penetration in Malawi.
Namibia
Dr Mundia is the Deputy Executive Director responsible for Research, Innovation and Training in the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI), Government of the Republic of Namibia. A seasoned executive, academician, entrepreneur and author. He has over 20 years of working experience, over 10 years of which are in education, research and training. He lectured, reviewed and developed internationally accredited degree programmes from NQF level 6 to 10, and worked for various industries ranging from consulting, higher education, utility, mining and local authority, making him highly relevant to the multidisciplinary research agenda.
Dr Mundia served as the Director of Research and Innovation in MHETI. He served as one of the first Council Members of the Space Science under the National Commission on Research Science and Technology. A former Committee Member of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure under the Namibia Statistics Agency, the Land Tribunal Board member under the Ministry of Land Reform, and an Advisory Board Member of the Southern African Innovation Support Programme. He currently serves as a Space Council Member of the African Space Agency under Africa Union Commission, a Advisory Board Member of the Earth Observations for Sustainable Development Goals (EO4SDG) Initiative under the Group on Earth Observations, a Trustee and Board Member of the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC), an Advisory Board Member of the Multidisciplinary Research Center of the University of Namibia, a Chairperson of the National Research Symposiums (MHETI), a Chairperson of the National Steering Committee on Research Outputs and Journal Accreditations (MHETI), the Founder and Chairperson of the Namibia Geographical Information Technologies, and the World College of Science and Innovation Pty Ltd.
Dr Mundia is a graduate of a Master of Management, a PhD in Geography, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and an M.Sc. Geographical Information Science (GIS); and many other qualifications in GIS, land management and land measuring. He has published a number of journals, conference papers and books. He manages and facilitates a number of international projects on land, water, development, earth observation, geographical sciences, climate change, health sciences, among others, such as the project on: Addressing drought challenges in Southern Africa: review of drought mitigation policies, strategies and management plans. He is a reviewer of international journal articles, and he supervises and examines research at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Algeria
Amin Mester is the Secretary-General of the Algerian Space Agency. Following his training in remote sensing, Mr Mestar served as an engineer at the Space application department of the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) from 2006 to 2007. In 2007, he was appointed as head of the planning department at ASAL and was involved in the management of the Alsat-2 Earth observation satellite program for the Algerian government.
In 2011, he was promoted to Director of Planning and, in 2013, Director of Administration of the agency. In 2016, he was assigned to the UN office in Geneva for a two-year period in the framework of a cooperative program between ASAL and the Operational Satellite Applications Programme of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR—UNOSAT). In 2018, he re-joined ASAL and was nominated in March as ASAL ‘s Secretary General. In February 2024, he was elected a member of the African Space Council.
Mr Mester holds an engineering degree in Electronics from the National Polytechnic School in Algeria in 2005 and a Master of Science in Remote Sensing and Imagery Processing from Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France, 2006.
Rwanda
Éliane Ubalijoro, PhD, is Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Director General of ICRAF. An accomplished leader with a background in agriculture and molecular genetics, she serves on several boards and has been recognised for outstanding contributions in the areas of innovation, gender equity, and sustainable prosperity creation.
Dr Ubalijoro has been a professor of practice for public-private sector partnerships at McGill University since 2008, with research interests focusing on innovation, gender and sustainable development for prosperity creation. From 2021 to March 2023, she was the Executive Director of Sustainability in the Digital Age and the Canada Hub Director for Future Earth. She is a member of Rwanda’s National Science and Technology Council and Presidential Advisory Council, the Impact Advisory Board of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, the Science for Africa Foundation, the Capitals Coalition Supervisory Board, among others. She is a fellow of the International Science Council and a member of the African Space Council.
Nigeria
Dr Rakiya Abdullahi Babamaaji is a Deputy Director, Strategic Space Applications Department, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). Her expertise is in Geosciences, Water Resources, Environmental Assessment, RS and GIS, etc.
She conducts research which includes: Hydrological modelling and Land use Land cover (LULC) of Lake Chad Basin (LCB) supported by NASRDA/NSF/NASA, Hydrological modelling of Katsina-ala river basin: an emerging scenario from Lake Nyos threat supported by NASRDA/UMKC. Dr Rakiya was an intern from May to August 2005 with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Commercialisation Office (GRIP) and conducted research on water-related issues and space applications in Africa. She has also supervised and coordinated research in the use of earth observation technology in Agriculture, Eco-conservation, Disaster and Water resources.
She is the Vice Chair of ITU/WMO/UNEP Focal Group on Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solution. A member of the Project Implementation Team (PIT) for Geo-referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development (GRID3), Nigeria. She is the coordinator of the CropWatch Nigeria program. The NASRDA desk officer for the World Bank Nigeria ACReSAL project. She is also one of two African Scientists invited into the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Global Risk Assessment Framework (UNDRR GRAF) Steering Group. Dr Rakiya was elected to the Africa Space Council at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held from February 14th to 15th, 2024. Dr Rakiya is also a Member of the Advisory Board of the EO AFRICA R&D Facility.
Dr. Rakiya holds a Doctorate degree in Geosciences and Civil Engineering from University of Missouri Kansas City, Missouri, USA, a Masters (MSc in Space Management from International Space University (ISU), Strasbourg, France and another Masters degree (MSc) in Environmental Resources Management from Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, Nigeria and B.Tech in Geology, Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa, Nigeria. She has a certificate in Concept & Skill in Applied Earth Science Research from the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Netherlands. She is a visiting lecturer with the Institute of Space Science Engineering (ISSE), African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, Nigeria and a Resource person for UN African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education – English (ARCSSTEE).
Dr Rakiya is a fellow of the Geospatial Society of Nigeria (GEOSON) and a member of the following professional organisations, too: Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Nigerian Association of Geodesy (NAG), Nigerian Association of Hydrological Sciences (NAHS), American Geophysical Union (AGU), Africa Women in GIS (AWiGIS), Africa Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), GMES & Africa Academic Network, Women in GMES & Africa etc.
Djibouti
Aboubaker Hassan is a prominent figure in the scientific and administrative landscape of Djibouti, having held major responsibilities within the government and in various technical and educational fields. Originally from Djibouti, he has distinguished himself with a remarkable academic and professional career that has led him to contribute significantly to the development of the country, particularly in the sectors of higher education, research, and technological innovation.
A 1996 graduate in hydraulic engineering with a specialisation in urban hydraulics from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Hydraulique de Toulouse (ENSEEIHT), Aboubaker also previously obtained a Specialised Higher Education Diploma in geophysics from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris in 1994. A postgraduate diploma in business management enriched this solid academic background, specialising in strategy and finance, awarded in 2004 in partnership with the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and the French Development Agency. His professional career began in 1995 at the National Office for Water and Sanitation, where he successively held the positions of head of the technical department and technical advisor to the director. There, he implemented strategies in the field of urban water and supervised the production and distribution of drinking water in Djibouti. With this first experience, Aboubaker Hassan became Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research in 2012, a position he holds to this day. He then played a leading role in the implementation of several structural reforms and innovative projects.
One of the flagship projects he coordinates is the Professionalisation and Digitalisation of Higher Education (PNE) program, funded by the French Development Agency. This program aims to create, among other things, a Centre of Excellence for Digital Innovation and to professionalise sectors within the University of Djibouti with a view to their accreditation by HCERES.
His involvement in the technological field is particularly evident through the Djibouti space program, which he has led since its creation in 2020. Under his leadership, Djibouti will launch its first nano-satellite in 2023, then a second nano-satellite in December 2024, a first in the country’s history. This success, the result of a partnership with the Montpellier University Space Centre, marks a major technological advance for Djibouti. Aboubaker Hassan is also the architect of several legislative initiatives related to space, including the drafting of laws and regulations governing space activities in Djibouti. In November 2024, he obtained membership of the Republic of Djibouti in COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.)
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Aboubaker Hassan was elected in February 2024 as a member of the African Space Council. Similarly, Aboubaker Hassan has received several honorary distinctions, including the title of Knight in the Order of Academic Palms of the French Republic in 2016 and that of Officer in the National Order of June 27 of the Republic of Djibouti in 2024, for his role in the success of the Djiboutian space program.
Chad
Ms Fatimé Hamat Daoussa is an air transport engineer with multidisciplinary expertise in airport infrastructure, security, institutional cooperation, and strategic planning. She embodies a new generation of committed technical leadership in Africa. With over 10 years of experience, she has played a central role in the implementation of major national and regional projects in Chad. Her leadership roles within the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and Meteorology enabled her to spearhead strategic investments in airport and meteorological infrastructure, while strengthening procurement mechanisms and institutional coordination.
Committed to integrating advanced technological solutions for sustainable development, Ms Daoussa actively participates in planning efforts aimed at aligning investments with national priorities, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, airport security, and regional connectivity. Her involvement in capacity-building processes is evident through the organisation and participation in numerous workshops and training programs in Chad and internationally. She has contributed to her country’s influence by representing Chad at several high-level forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), ICAO bodies, and the United Nations Global Volunteer Forum.
Elected in April 2025 to the African Space Council with 48 out of 49 votes, she embodies Chad’s representation in this strategic continental governance body. In this position, she participates in defining Africa’s major space policies and implementing the African Union’s vision for space. Defending an inclusive approach, Ms Daoussa is committed to technological governance that promotes developing countries’ access to space tools. It advocates for the use of satellite data in natural resource management, disaster prevention, and the improvement of public policies.
Driven by a pan-African vision and a desire to build a community of expertise around space science and technology, it helps build bridges between institutions, universities, and research centres to strengthen the continent’s scientific and technical base.
Her professional journey began in 2016 as an airport security and document control officer at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport with Amarante International. She later returned to Chad, where she held several key positions within the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology. She served as the Director of Cooperation and Partnerships and, more recently, as the Director of Airport and Meteorological Investments.
Ms. Daoussa has actively participated in various international workshops and training programmes, enhancing her expertise in gender mainstreaming in climate resilience (Hydromet Project), bilateral cooperation (e.g., Chad-Morocco Commission), and national development planning. Her engagements have taken her across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and international collaboration.
She holds multiple qualifications from the Dakar Air Academy in Senegal, including a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur in transport logistics and a license in air transport and logistics. She also has certifications in passenger and baggage management, security (Sûreté 123 Base), and cargo traffic operations.
Her professional journey began in 2016 as an airport security and document control officer at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport with Amarante International. She later returned to Chad, where she held several key positions within the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology. She served as the Director of Cooperation and Partnerships and, more recently, as the Director of Airport and Meteorological Investments.
Ms. Daoussa has actively participated in various international workshops and training programmes, enhancing her expertise in gender mainstreaming in climate resilience (Hydromet Project), bilateral cooperation (e.g., Chad-Morocco Commission), and national development planning. Her engagements have taken her across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and international collaboration.
She holds multiple qualifications from the Dakar Air Academy in Senegal, including a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur in transport logistics and a license in air transport and logistics. She also has certifications in passenger and baggage management, security (Sûreté 123 Base), and cargo traffic operations.
Morocco
Amal LAYACHI is an engineer in the field of automation and industrial computing, with a solid academic background including a Master’s degree in electronics, electrical engineering and automation, as well as a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in instrumentation and control. Her professional journey spanning over 30 years reveals remarkable expertise in the implementation of integrated programs that merge space solutions with national and regional strategies.
At the core of her career, Ms LAYACHI has coordinated significant projects aimed at integrating space technologies into crucial sectors such as land planning, urbanism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster and natural risk management. This proactive approach has positioned space technologies as an essential lever for socio-economic development. Through her ability to coordinate complex initiatives, she has demonstrated adept leadership, supporting the use of spatial tools to address contemporary challenges. Her commitment to strengthening institutional capacities is a cornerstone of her expertise. She has initiated several important training and skill development programs, reaching a wide range of national and international stakeholders, particularly within the context of North-South and South-South cooperations. The implementation of over 350 training sessions, workshops, and seminars she has conducted is a testament to her dedication to elevating the level of expertise in space technologies.
As the national focal point for several recognised space agencies such as CNES, ESA, NASA, and others, Ms LAYACHI has established strategic partnerships. She is a member of international organisations such as UNOOSA, GEO, and COSPAR, demonstrating her ability to create international synergies that foster knowledge transfer and expertise exchange. Her active participation in global forums highlights her role as a catalyst for the application of space technologies in support of development. Her vision of making these technologies accessible to developing countries reflects her determination to transform complex tools into concrete solutions for economic growth. Through the creation and coordination of a network of universities and research institutions, she is committed to strengthening applied research in the fields of Earth Observation, thereby consolidating a community of knowledge and innovation to benefit from future global challenges.
Cameroon
Fernand Guy ISSERI is a research geographer and expert in the production and management of geospatial information, with more than 25 years of experience in the fields of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial analysis. Currently Deputy Director of Data Processing and Dissemination at the National Institute of Cartography (INC) of Cameroon, he plays a central role in supervising strategic projects, including the development of geospatial databases and the production of geospatial information.
A graduate in geography with a DEA/Master II from the University of Yaoundé I, he also followed specialized training in remote sensing and GIS at CRASTE-LF in Rabat, consolidating his technical expertise. His professional career is marked by significant contributions to international and African initiatives in the field of Geospatial Information.
Since 2011, he has been a member of the United Nations Expert Group on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) where he served as Co-Chair from 2018-2021. As Co-Chair of the United Nations High-Level Group on Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-HLG-IGIF) since 2023, he has participated in the implementation of global strategies for better geospatial data management. He also holds leadership positions as Vice-Chair of the African Expert Committee on Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM Africa).
A member of several international organisations, including the International Advisory Committee (IAC) of the United Nations Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center of Excellence in China, Mr. ISSERI is regularly invited to global forums and conferences to share his expertise. He is recognized for his coordination skills, his mastery of advanced GIS tools and his strategic vision in the use of geospatial information for sustainable development.
The Space Council receives political guidance from AU policy organs and shall make sure that the AU policy priorities are implemented. As well, The Council advise the said policy organs on space policy-related issues. The African Space Council shall report to the Assembly. The Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science and Technology (STC-EST) shall provide overall strategic guidance and orientation to the Agency through the Space Council. This implies regular consultations with AU policy organs through their established statutory mechanisms and the preparation and participation of the AU statutory meetings. The Council will do, among others, the following:
The Council will establish the advisory committee, which will also set terms, rules, and agenda items for the Committee to discuss. This implies the development and implementation of the selection processes, coordination and discussions with different stakeholders and entities, such as RECs and the African Academy of Sciences, as well as establishing selection criteria of the four (4) Chief Executive Officers of four (4) African private sector entities, each representing one of the four space sectors (Earth Observation, Satellite Communication, Navigation, and Space & Astronomy).
Côte d'Ivoire
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government stands as the highest decision-making body of the African Union (AU), tasked with shaping policies, setting priorities, adopting annual programs, and overseeing their implementation. A defining moment for the continent came during the AU Assembly's 2016 session, where leaders embraced the African Space Policy and Strategy.
This milestone laid the groundwork for leveraging space technologies to realize Africa’s vision of integration, prosperity, and peace. By adopting this strategy, the Assembly highlighted the critical role space can play in fostering sustainable development, mitigating climate change, enhancing disaster management, and boosting socio-economic growth. The endorsement of the space agenda underscored the AU’s commitment to driving innovation, growth, and collaboration across Africa’s burgeoning space sector.
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government stands as the highest decision-making body of the African Union (AU), tasked with shaping policies, setting priorities, adopting annual programs, and overseeing their implementation. A defining moment for the continent came during the AU Assembly's 2016 session, where leaders embraced the African Space Policy and Strategy.
This milestone laid the groundwork for leveraging space technologies to realize Africa’s vision of integration, prosperity, and peace. By adopting this strategy, the Assembly highlighted the critical role space can play in fostering sustainable development, mitigating climate change, enhancing disaster management, and boosting socio-economic growth. The endorsement of the space agenda underscored the AU’s commitment to driving innovation, growth, and collaboration across Africa’s burgeoning space sector.
