The study is part of the Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa (GAA) project that is funded by UK International Development the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). The six-year project aims to build new UK-African partnerships to create inclusive market access, funding and investment opportunities through innovation, technology and knowledge transfer between the UK, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
In 2024, GAA launched the UK-Africa Space Technology for Sustainability Global Innovation Network (Space GIN) – a collaborative platform connecting the UK, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda to create cross-sector and international opportunities within the space technology industry. Its key focus areas include Earth Observation applications, optimising access to geospatial data, and fostering space technology entrepreneurship.
The research report outlines the value of the space technology in Africa. It details the current landscape, key strategies and projects that are advancing the continent’s space capability. The study demonstrates the effect of space technology on future economic growth, social development, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa.
This report highlights some of the key stakeholders, and how collaborative initiatives to date have leveraged space technology for economic and societal benefits. A selection of non-quantified findings is summarised here:
Africa’s space technology sector is poised to drive significant socioeconomic growth across multiple industries. The report showcases Africa’s effort to build local capabilities through both national and international support, for example:
Space technology is being harnessed to combat food insecurity
The report highlights collaborative programmes to improve food security. The following examples of initiatives show the impact of Earth Observation data in providing critical data and innovative solutions, empowering African communities to address local challenges:
Space technology is enhancing access to medical care – The SatCom for Nigerian Health Services Inmarsat Project is a GBP 2.83 million initiative designed to improve healthcare delivery in rural Nigerian communities through the use of satellite technology. The project provides clinics with satellite-enabled mobile medical applications to assist in areas with limited internet access. A case study has found that State Ministries of Health in Nigeria are now receiving more complete and accurate data, leading to improved policy decisions and more proactive disease surveillance.
Collaborative space data projects for disaster management – the FireSat project was a 5-year UK-Africa collaboration for enhanced detection of fires using nanosatellite technology. Implemented by Clyde Space across Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa, the project provided near real-time wildfire alerts.
The report reviews other studies and finds that space technology holds enormous socio-economic potential for Africa:
Market Valuation – GBP 16.16 billion in 2021 and projected to grow to GBP 18.77 billion by 2026 (figures taken from Space in Africa’s 2024 edition of its African Space Annual Industry Report). The growing Africa space market offers an immense opportunity for UK companies and government bodies to collaborate with the African counterparts.
STEM Education Benefits – substantial gains are expected in STEM education and innovation. As Africa’s population approaches 830 million by 2050, space science programs could boost STEM graduates by 30-40% over the next decade driving technological innovation and economic growth.
Reducing pest damage through the use of PRISE – (see description of PRISE in non-quantified benefits above) – In 2019, the service reached over 40,000 farmers. During Kenya’s 2019/2020 short rainy season, 59% of farmers who received PRISE recommendations for fall armyworm (an insect that feeds mainly on maize but also 80 other crops including sugar cane, wheat, and vegetable crops) adjusted their practices, leading to reduced pest populations and increased maize harvests. In 2021, PRISE partnered with iCow, a maize SMS service, further improving results. Farmers reported a 109% increase in maize yields and a 70% reduction in pest damage.