13 Jan President of the African Space Council Attends AfDev-Sat Training Launch

Today, H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency, joined distinguished dignitaries at the launch of the satellite systems training programme under the African Development Satellite Initiative (AfDev-Sat). The training, hosted by the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and financially supported by the Italian government, welcomed 21 engineers and specialists from 20 African nations for a ten-day, hands-on programme to strengthen Africa’s indigenous satellite-building capabilities.
The event was attended by notable figures, including H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency; Dr Sherif Sedky, CEO of EgSA; Ambassador Osama Elhady, Deputy Secretary-General of The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development; Dr Domenico De Martinis, Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Egypt; and Dr Ayman Ahmed, Acting Senior Director of Space Programmes at EgSA.
The AfDev-Sat Initiative: Empowering Africa Through Space
Launched in 2021 and supported by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership in Development (EAPD), the AfDev-Sat programme has trained 71 engineers from 34 African countries. The initiative focuses on building African expertise in satellite technologies through in-depth training sessions covering space project management, satellite sub-system design, CAD Tools and software orientation, satellite testing and evaluation, and orbital simulation and mission analysis. In addition, participants engage in self-design sessions, technical guidance, group projects, and satellite system simulations, equipping them with essential satellite mission design and operations skills.
H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara’s Address at the Launch
H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara delivered a powerful address, highlighting Egypt’s leadership in promoting African integration through the African Space Agency. Below are key excerpts from the address:
“First, let me express deep appreciation to the government of Egypt for its continental leadership in hosting the African Space Agency. The establishment of this agency stands as a testament to Egypt’s vision and commitment to promoting African integration and prosperity.”
H.E. Dr Ouattara praised Egypt’s provision of state-of-the-art facilities for the African Space Agency, emphasising the role of the AfDev-Sat programme in fostering collaboration among African nations. “This training programme, which has equipped 71 participants so far, highlights the impact of these efforts. Those who have trained here now share their knowledge, contribute to building Africa’s space policy, and promote integration and peace across the continent.”
H.E. Dr Ouattara also commended the increasing participation of women in the programme: “I am particularly pleased to see many young women participating. Your presence is a powerful reminder that gender equality and inclusion are crucial to achieving sustainable development and scientific advancement.”
Concluding his speech, H.E. Dr Ouattara reiterated the importance of collaboration and encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s future: “You are here because of your merit, and the knowledge and connections you gain will be instrumental in shaping Africa’s future. Together, let us continue to advance space science and technology for a brighter and more prosperous Africa.”
A Collective Vision for Africa’s Space Future
The AfDev-Sat initiative exemplifies Egypt’s commitment to fostering African unity through space technology. As the programme continues to train the next generation of space engineers, it will enhance collaboration and innovation across the continent. Furthermore, the launch event serves as a milestone in Africa’s journey toward self-reliance in space systems. It underscores the transformative potential of initiatives like AfDev-Sat in driving socio-economic development across the region.
The international dimension of this training is noteworthy, with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) actively contributing to the programme. ASI provided experts who joined the training team in Cairo and delivered online lessons. This initiative aligns with the broader collaborative framework pursued by the Italian government under the Mattei Plan, a EUR 7 billion cooperation strategy focused on developing human capital and implementing sustainable solutions in research, education, and capacity building. The Mattei Plan was highlighted earlier at the 2024 Italy-Africa Space Conference. In this context, ASI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EgSA, establishing a foundation for long-term space investments and partnerships with Italy. Additionally, ASI is engaging in discussions with AfSA to enhance the integration of cooperative activities with African countries.
No Comments