President Paul Kagame has called for greater African participation in the rapidly expanding global space economy, saying the continent should move beyond being a consumer of space-based services and become an active contributor to science, technology, research and global decision-making.
Speaking at the International Space Summit, Kagame said falling costs, technological advances and increasing private-sector investment are creating new opportunities in the space industry, including for countries and businesses that were previously unable to participate significantly in the sector.
“Africa intends to be a full participant in this growth, not only as a user of space capabilities, but also as a contributor to science, research, and global decision-making,” Kagame said.
He said Africa’s large and increasingly connected young population could provide the human capital needed to build a stronger presence in the sector, provided governments and partners invest in skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“With the right support, our talent pool can develop the relevant expertise, and build businesses, and create real value for Africa,” he added.
Kagame’s remarks come as governments, space agencies and private companies increasingly view space technology as an important driver of economic development.
Satellite services are already being used across Africa for telecommunications, internet connectivity, weather forecasting, agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and mapping.
The sector is also opening opportunities beyond traditional satellite operations, with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, earth observation, robotics and advanced communications creating new avenues for African entrepreneurs and researchers.
Africa is increasingly seeking to develop its own space capabilities and strengthen cooperation among national space programmes.
Continental discussions are focusing on areas including satellite applications, earth observation, space science, investment, digital connectivity and the development of a skilled workforce.
The wider global space industry is undergoing a similar transformation. Lower launch costs, reusable technologies and the growing involvement of private companies have accelerated the development of commercial satellite networks and other space-based services.
The International Space Summit in Paris, held on September 9–10, 2026, has brought together government officials, industry leaders, researchers and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of the sector, investment and international cooperation.
For Africa, the challenge is now to translate its growing interest in space into practical capabilities, businesses and jobs.
That will require stronger investment in science and technology education, research institutions, space infrastructure and partnerships between governments, universities and the private sector.
Kagame’s message therefore places Africa’s space ambitions within a broader development agenda: ensuring that the continent does not simply rely on technologies developed elsewhere, but develops the skills, companies and institutions capable of creating value from the next phase of the global space economy.
