Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s vibrant economic capital, is poised to host the inaugural Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) from September 24 to 26, 2026, at its state-of-the-art Exhibition Park. This landmark continental gathering will spotlight the rapidly evolving space economy and advanced satellite technologies. Spearheaded by Tidiane Ouattara, a distinguished space science expert from the African Union Commission and the event’s Commissioner General, ASPEX aims to establish itself as Africa’s premier platform for fostering innovation, driving cooperation, and unlocking significant business opportunities within the dynamic space sector.
“Space is no longer a luxury; it has become an absolute necessity,” asserted Tidiane Ouattara, highlighting the critical strategic role that space technologies now play across numerous vital domains. These include national security, effective natural resource management, telecommunications infrastructure, precision agriculture, comprehensive territorial surveillance, and proactive disaster prevention.
Drawing inspiration from globally renowned events such as the Paris-Le Bourget International Air and Space Show and leading technology forums in Dubai, the Africa Space Expo is designed to convene a diverse assembly of researchers, industry leaders, astute investors, innovative startups, brilliant inventors, and influential policymakers. The goal is to forge impactful, continent-shaping partnerships.
The Commissioner General further clarified, “Our objective extends beyond merely showcasing technologies; we are committed to generating tangible business prospects and cultivating strategic alliances that will profoundly benefit Africa.”
According to the organizers, the current valuation of the African space market approaches an impressive $30 billion, equivalent to over 16,683 billion FCFA. This substantial potential remains largely untapped by African nations. Through ASPEX, Côte d’Ivoire strategically intends to solidify its position as a credible and pivotal player in this rapidly expanding global economic arena.
Addressing the assembly, Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, emphasized how space technology is already interwoven into the daily lives of citizens. “Everyday activities, from GPS navigation and mobile money transfers to internet access, are fundamentally reliant on satellite infrastructure. Space is undeniably already an integral part of our existence,” he articulated.
The Minister also underscored the transformative impact of space technologies on Côte d’Ivoire’s digital evolution. Specific areas include enhancing connectivity in rural regions, advancing precision agriculture, optimizing risk management strategies, and significantly boosting the efficiency of public services. He extended an invitation to African startups, developers, and technology enterprises to more extensively leverage satellite data to conceptualize and deliver innovative services perfectly tailored to local realities.
Concurrently, Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented space as a critical strategic imperative for the continent’s future trajectory. “We are not discussing just another technology; rather, we are addressing a foundational pillar of 21st-century scientific, economic, and security development,” he affirmed.
The Minister particularly stressed the urgent need to cultivate a substantial pool of local expertise. This will be achieved through reinforcing university curricula and scientific research programs specifically focused on space sciences and satellite applications. He also commended the vital role played by the Côte d’Ivoire Space Agency in structuring the Ivorian space ecosystem and orchestrating national initiatives.
This inaugural ASPEX event is set to attract a wide array of participants, including various space agencies, governmental bodies, technical and financial partners, investors, and innovation stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. The United States and Morocco have been designated as the esteemed guest countries for this edition.
For Tidiane Ouattara, this event signifies a momentous milestone in the foundational development of a robust African space industry. “Africa is finally gaining a dedicated platform capable of structuring its space market, mobilizing essential investments, and fostering crucial industrial alliances,” he concluded.
