AThe African Outer Space Programme is one of the flagship initiatives aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous Africa driven by its own citizens. Satellite technology is already playing a direct role in enhancing climate change resilience and improving disaster warning measures across the continent in line with these aspirations. As these issues are central to Africa's development, we believe it is essential to bring forward discussions that include a wider perspective on space, especially from those not traditionally involved in the space sector.
The event will foster an interdisciplinary dialogue and create a rich exchange of ideas. At the heart of this conversation is a critical question: Should Africa’s focus solely be on socio-economic development, or should we consider the broader space economy and space exploration? What would it look like for us to expand our vision to include space exploration as a key pillar of development, and how can we balance the immediate socio-economic needs with the long-term benefits of engaging in the broader space economy? (Issues such as armed conflict in space, space tourism and interplanetary missions and research characterized mainstream space discourses)