The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has declared that the African Space Economy is a veritable tool for transformation and economic revolution across the African continent.

Dr. Adepoju made this assertion during a press briefing held at NASRDA headquarters in Abuja to underscore the potentials of the African Space Economy and need for Public Private Partnership through a joint collaboration between National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on the hosting of African Space Economy conference coming up between 17th to 19th, June,2025 in Abuja.

According to Dr. Adepoju, the space economy represents the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Africa must be strategically positioned to benefit from its developmental potential.

He emphasized that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has given NASRDA a clear mandate to expand Nigeria’s revenue base through the space sector, saying a forum on African Space Economy will no doubt serve as a critical platform to actualize this vision.

Commending the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its unwavering support of the African space initiative, Dr. Adepoju described the space economy as “the solution to many of our socio-economic challenges.”

He called on investors, entrepreneurs, development partners, and policymakers to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities in the Space sector as will be unveiled during the forthcoming African Space Economy conference.

In his remarks, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, represented by the Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani noted that space is rapidly shifting from a purely scientific domain to a major driver of the global economy.

He stressed that a conference on the critical sector provides an inclusive platform for governments, academia, private sector, and investors to forge new alliances and shape Africa’s space future.

According to him, the commencement of African Space Economy conference in 2023 was a resounding success, attracting over 350 participants and fostering strategic business deals.

He added that this year’s event will delve into how space technologies can drive economic diversification, critical infrastructure, and sustainable development across Africa.

Chairman of the African Space Economy conference Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Osi Imomoh, revealed that this year’s theme “Space Economy and Emerging Markets in Africa” , reflects the urgency of regional integration, innovation, and sustainable growth through space-based solutions.

He added that the 2025 edition will convene high-level policy panels, B2B investor forums, and an exhibition of cutting-edge satellite technologies, startups, and space solutions from Africa and around the globe.

Also speaking, the Co-Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr Haruna Mohammed highlighted the conference as one of the most viable economic platforms on the continent, urging the private sector to tap into its vast investment potentials.

The press conference featured an interactive question-and-answer session, where Dr. Adepoju addressed media inquiries on Nigeria’s space strategy and the broader vision for Africa’s participation in the global space economy.

The African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC) is an annual event hosted by NASRDA and ACCI to foster innovation, policy dialogue, and investment in Africa’s emerging space sector.

Below are pictures from the briefing for your viewing pleasure.

Written by: Monica Jiya
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications