Skyward Africa focuses on seven pillars that guide collaboration, innovation, and development across Africa’s emerging space ecosystem.
Science – focusing on scientific innovation, exploration and collaboration
Knowledge -Education, skills transfer & institutional partnerships
Youth, empowering the future, and harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend through opportunities and training
Workforce – Build a workforce that is ready for the jobs of the future
Aerospace, aviation, AI, advancing Africa’s role in Space and satellite technology
Research – Driving innovation through data
Development and growth through the help of the Diaspora, technology, diplomacy and investment community
We host policy dialogues and technical roundtables including the Beyond Boundaries U.S.–Africa Policy Series, where Skyward Africa leads key discussions on space, energy, and
tech
Skyward Africa engages with stakeholders globally, along with African space programs, U.S. agencies, and foreign missions to advance shared priorities.
We build platforms for African-born and diaspora professionals in aerospace, defense, and high tech to contribute to space partnerships and innovation-driven development.
Through institutional partnerships, we support educational exchanges, joint research, and workforce development projects that prepare the next generation of U.S.–Africa space leaders.
Africa’s engagement in space activities has seen a remarkable uptick, with over 20 countries having established national space programs. These initiatives are harnessing space technology to drive socioeconomic development, with applications spanning agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications. The African Union’s 2019 African Space Strategy highlights the continent’s dedication to nurturing indigenous space capabilities to bolster social, political, and economic integration
As of 2024, several African nations have active space programs with diverse focus areas:
Estimated budget of $20-30 million in 2023, focusing on satellite communications
Investing in satellite technology and collaborating internationally for space science advancements.
Allocated funds for satellite development and launch capabilities.
Engaged in Earth observation satellite projects to support agricultural and environmental monitoring
Investing approximately $20 million in the Botswana-1 satellite project to develop indigenous engineering solutions for wildlife and natural resource monitoring.
Developing space infrastructure for Earth observation and environmental applications. Advancing the Taifa-1 mission and exploring equatorial launch site feasibility to enhance maritime security and national disaster management.
Leveraging the GSSTI to advance Earth observation capabilities for environmental protection and agricultural modernization through regional capacity building.
Developing a national geospatial data hub to drive digital inclusion and provide high-speed satellite connectivity for rural and urban development.
A leader in the African space sector, hosting significant projects like the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope
Investing in satellite technology for Earth observation and resource management.
Active in satellite development for communication and Earth observation purposes
In 2024, African countries collectively allocated approximately $462.01 million for their space programs. While this represents a numerical decrease from the $643.13 million budgeted in 2023, the shift is largely attributed to significant local currency devaluations against the US Dollar in key markets like Nigeria and Egypt. Despite these macroeconomic headwinds, the continent’s commitment remains steadfast, with the 2025 collective budget projected at $426.31 million and a record number of over 125 satellites currently under development across the region.
The United States is well positioned to explore collaborative ventures with African governments in several key areas:
Facilitator & Connector – Bridge relationships between African governments, U.S. based institutions, and commercial space companies.
Market Expansion – Identify and develop commercial opportunities for U.S.-based space firms in African markets.
Policy & Strategic Advisory – Provide insights on regulatory, political, and economic frameworks to ensure successful partnerships.
Trade & Investment Support – Guide space companies through investment processes and partnership negotiations with African governments.
Whether you’re a policymaker, diaspora leader, academic institution, space tech innovator, or African government representative—we invite you to collaborate with us.
Sign up to receive our news
Media & Partnership Inquiries
For press inquiries, speaking requests, or partnership opportunities, please contact: [email protected]
