Côte d’Ivoire to lead Africa’s space economy revolution with ASPEX 2026
Mark your calendars: the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX), the continent’s first major event dedicated to space economy and satellite technologies, will take place in Abidjan from September 24 to 26, 2026. Hosted at the Exhibition Park, this groundbreaking initiative aims to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional hub for space innovation, fostering collaboration, business opportunities, and strategic partnerships in the sector.
Led by Tidiane Ouattara, a leading expert in space sciences at the African Union Commission and General Commissioner of ASPEX, the event emphasizes that space technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From security and natural resource management to telecommunications, precision agriculture, territorial monitoring, and disaster prevention, satellite technologies now underpin critical sectors across Africa.
ASPEX: a game-changer for Africa’s space sector
Drawing inspiration from world-renowned events like the Paris Air Show and Dubai’s tech forums, ASPEX is designed to be more than just a technology showcase. It’s a business catalyst, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, investors, startups, innovators, and policymakers to forge structural partnerships that will shape Africa’s future in space.
Tidiane Ouattara underscores this vision: “This isn’t just about displaying technologies—it’s about creating real business opportunities and building strategic alliances for Africa.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s bold move into the $30 billion space market
The African space economy, currently valued at nearly $30 billion (over 16,683 billion FCFA), remains largely untapped. ASPEX presents a unique chance for Côte d’Ivoire to carve out a leadership role in this rapidly growing global industry. By hosting the event, the country is signaling its commitment to becoming a key player in Africa’s space future.
Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, highlights how space technologies already impact daily life in Côte d’Ivoire: “Everyday activities like GPS navigation, mobile transfers, and internet access rely on satellite infrastructure. Space is already part of our lives.”
The minister also points to the role of space tech in Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation, including:
- Expanding rural connectivity through improved satellite networks
- Boosting precision agriculture with satellite data for better crop management
- Enhancing risk management to mitigate natural disasters
- Optimizing public services for greater efficiency
He urges African startups, developers, and tech companies to leverage satellite data to develop localized, innovative services that address the continent’s unique challenges.
Space tech as a cornerstone for Africa’s future
Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, frames space technology as a strategic pillar for Africa’s progress: “We’re not talking about just another technology—space is a cornerstone of 21st-century scientific, economic, and security development.”
The minister stresses the urgent need to build local expertise by strengthening university programs and research initiatives in space sciences and satellite applications. He also praises the Ivorian Space Agency (Agence Spatiale de Côte d’Ivoire) for its role in organizing the national space ecosystem and coordinating key initiatives.
ASPEX 2026: a continental gathering with global reach
The inaugural ASPEX will convene space agencies, governments, technical partners, financial backers, investors, and innovation leaders from across Africa and beyond. Notably, the United States and Morocco have been designated as honorary guest countries.
For Tidiane Ouattara, ASPEX represents a watershed moment for Africa’s space industry: “Africa is finally gaining a platform to structure its space market, mobilize investments, and foster industrial alliances.”
