The 10th AFRIGEO Symposium has ended on a high note with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) reaffirming its commitment to supporting the African geospatial community, as participants were urged to turn the knowledge gained into practical solutions for the Africa’s development.
The closing ceremony also announced Egypt as the host of the 2027 edition of the annual symposium.
In his closing remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, commended the organisers, participants and strategic partners for their commitment and contributions to the successful hosting of the symposium.
He urged participants to put the knowledge, ideas and experiences gained during the event to good use, particularly in advancing Africa’s development through the application of Earth observation, geospatial technologies and space-based solutions.
Prof. Adepoju expressed confidence that the outcomes of the symposium would contribute to the continent’s development.
The NASRDA boss acknowledged the strong partnership between the agency and the Defence Space Administration (DSA), as well as the support of sponsors and other strategic partners, noting that their contributions played an important role in the successful organisation of the event.
While formally declaring the symposium closed, Prof. Adepoju reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to supporting the African geospatial community through financial assistance and other forms of institutional support.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, commended the peaceful conduct and successful organisation of the symposium.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration, Rear Admiral O. Adeleke, Ilodibia urged participants to develop practical strategies to sustain the gains of the symposium and ensure that its outcomes continued to support Africa’s development.
In his vote of thanks, the National Chairman of the AFRIGEO Organising Committee, Dr. Godstime James, appreciated the institutions, sponsors, partners and individuals whose contributions made the event a success.
He wished foreign delegates safe trip back to their respective countries, expressing optimism that the relationships and partnerships established during the symposium would continue to produce positive results.
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of the symposium’s communiqué by Mr. Kenneth Kasera of the AFRIGEO Secretariat.
The communiqué outlined key issues discussed, major outcomes and proposed actions arising from the symposium.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to outstanding participants and recognition of the countries represented at the event, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and shared commitment that characterised the gathering.
The successful conclusion of the 2026 symposium underscored the importance of collaboration among African space agencies, geospatial institutions, governments and development partners in harnessing Earth observation and geospatial technologies to promote sustainable development and build a more resilient continent.
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Monica Jiya
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
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