Image: asmuSe, via Pixabay
Agreement aims to develop the Francophone west African country’s ground-station capabilities
The space agency of Gabon has signed a partnership with its South African counterpart to develop ground-station infrastructure and skills in the west African country.
The South African National Space Agency announced the partnership on 29 August on the sidelines of a meeting in Pretoria, where it hosted 11 other African space agencies to discuss collaboration.
The partnership with the Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observation Spatiales (Ageos) will leverage Gabon’s geographical advantage near the equator, which complements South Africa’s observation locations in the southern hemisphere, Sansa said.
“Working with Gabon in developing a strategic space infrastructure ensures that Africa develops the necessary space capability to elevate the continent amongst other space nations,” said Sansa chief executive Humbulani Mudau in a statement.
Ageos director-general Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui said South Africa, with its “advanced infrastructure and expertise”, was “well-positioned” to support it and other African countries in building their space capabilities.
“In this context, skill development is crucial,” he added. “Earth observation must play a central role in providing opportunities for African youth, reducing unemployment and contributing to sustainable development.”