Space Critical Domain for Africa's Economic, Strategic Development, Says Ethiopian Official

The recently launched space cooperation training initiative, led by the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESSGI) and the Embassy of Nigeria in Ethiopia, aims to equip African leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in space diplomacy and governance.

"The training aims to build leadership capacity for African countries in space sector by equipping participants with the knowledge and the skills to effectively engage in global space policies, governance structures, and also technical fields," Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu, Ethiopia's Deputy Minister of Innovation and Technology, told Sputnik Africa.

Dr. Alemayehu emphasized the potential of space for diplomacy, stating that "different nations have their own priorities and their own national interests… Space can be used as a diplomatic tool to tie the different ideological countries to work together."

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The official, a former deputy director of the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, also stressed the significance of a robust African space industry and policy. He explained that space technology will allow the continent to "address its unique developmental challenges and also to unlock economic opportunities."

"Space capabilities such as satellite technology provide critical services for monitoring climate change, improving productivity, and managing natural resources," he said.

Dr. Alemayehu further highlighted the importance of African participation in global space policy, ensuring they are not left behind by other countries. "Anyone with strong power can manipulate space," he warned. "So that is very tied with sovereignty and the national security."

Cooperation with BRICS

BRICS presents a significant opportunity for Africa through collaboration, technology transfer, and capacity building, said the Ethiopian official.

"BRICS can provide African nations such as Ethiopia, especially, with access to technological expertise, funding, and the collaborative framework that can accelerate the development of space capabilities across the continent," Dr. Alemayehu stated.

He added, "BRICS countries have already demonstrated a willingness to collaborate in space through various initiatives, such as the establishment of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation […] which aims to provide shared access to all satellites to the nations."

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Dr. Alemayehu emphasized the importance of the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia, arguing that it offers a platform to discuss potential partnerships, secure investments, and create frameworks that can bridge Africa's technological gaps in space science.

Ethiopia, a new BRICS member, is eager to leverage Russia's extensive experience in space exploration to further its own space program, according to the deputy minister.

"Russia's mentorship and its space capability enable the country to better utilize space technologies for economic growth, disaster management, and advancing its digital and scientific sectors," Dr. Alemayehu stated. "We are expecting, and we are hoping, and we are working towards it to have collaboration with Russia."