The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) have reaffirmed their commitment to strategic collaboration towards ensuring the success of the forthcoming African Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference . (ASEICC) 2026.
The commitment was renewed during a strategic engagement between officials of both organisations at the Headquarters of NigComSat in Abuja, as part of preparations for the conference, which is expected to bring together key stakeholders in Africa’s space ecosystem.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of ASEICC 2026 Local Organising Committee and Director, Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale, described NigComSat as a strategic partner whose participation is critical to the success of the conference.
He explained that the committee’s engagement with NigComSat is part of deliberate efforts to bring key stakeholders in Nigeria’s space science and technology ecosystem into the conference planning process.
According to him, the conference provides an important platform for stakeholders to collectively promote the growth of Africa’s space economy, particularly by encouraging greater participation of the private sector in space-related activities.
Dr. Ale stressed that every stakeholder within the space ecosystem has a role to play, and that the active involvement of the private sector would be instrumental to unlocking the commercial potential of the continent’s space industry.
Responding, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, expressed appreciation over the engagement and pledged the organisation’s full support towards the successful hosting of ASEICC 2026.
The Managing Director, NigComSat, who was represented at the meeting by the Executive Director, Technical Services, NigComSat, Engr. Abiodun Attah noted that NASRDA and NigComSat operate within a closely connected space ecosystem and therefore share several areas of common interest.
He added that an international conference of the magnitude of ASEICC would provide both organisations and other participating stakeholders with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, innovations and contributions to the development of Africa’s space economy.
Also speaking, the Ag. Director, Planning, Policy and Research, NASRDA, Engr. Henry Akoma, said the committee expects NigComSat to showcase some of its innovative and startup products during the conference.
He also disclosed that the Managing Director of NigComSat is expected to make a presentation at the event.
The meeting culminated in the presentation of the ASEICC 2026 conference flyer to the representative of the Managing Director of NigComSat by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Felix Ale.
ASEICC 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for governments, space agencies, private-sector players, researchers, investors, innovators, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities, partnerships and innovations capable of driving the growth of Africa’s space economy.
Below are pictures from the meeting:
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications
