In a decisive move to reshape Africa’s economic trajectory through space technology, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has emphasized the urgent need to unlock staff potential, foster strategic private sector collaboration, and implement enabling policies to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Dr. Adepoju made this assertion during a high-level panel discussion at the African Space Economy Conference (ASEC) 2025, themed “Diversifying the African Market via the Application of Space Technology”, currently underway in Abuja.
He affirmed that Africa must look inward, leveraging existing resources and capabilities to confront the continent’s unique challenges while transforming local success stories into scalable socio-economic benefits.
According to him, achieving this vision requires closing critical gaps that continue to hinder Africa’s space ecosystem.
Dr Adepoju explained that the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework remains a major setback as it creates uncertainty, discourages investment, and severely limits the full potential of the industry.
He also highlighted the issue of limited awareness and media engagement, stressing that effective storytelling and visibility are essential to showcase Africa’s space achievements, attract global investment, and inspire the next generation of space professionals.
Also speaking at the panel, a former Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Dr. Umar Bindir, described the African market as “a healthy virgin space” brimming with opportunities for growth and transformation.
He harped on the role of space technology in driving economic diversification, managing resources more efficiently, and accelerating sustainable development.
Dr. Bindir said that Strong scientific and technological capabilities are non-negotiable if Africa is to maximize its market potential.
He further said Space is already aiding regional integration and resource management, adding that, what is required is political and financial commitment to scale these benefits continent-wide.
In his contribution, a Director in the Kenya Space Agency, Mr. Charles Mwangi said, while Africa currently functions largely as a consumer market, the continent must now prioritize indigenous technology solutions that directly address its development needs.
Mwangi noted that Space technology offers a pathway to boost agricultural productivity, manage natural resources more effectively, and expand communication and connectivity.
He explained that collaborative systems for navigation and positioning are vital to strengthening transportation, logistics, and communications infrastructure.
The African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition 2025, co-hosted by NASRDA and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), is a landmark event aimed at expanding Africa’s revenue base through increased investment in space science and technology.
Below are pictures from the event.
Written by: Alexandra Oladipo
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications
