From predicting droughts and floods to helping farmers plan planting seasons, space-based technologies are becoming practical tools for addressing some of Africa’s development challenges, according to a North-West University (NWU) space scientist.
Prof. Amare Abebe, director of the Centre for Space Research (CSR) at the NWU, and president of the African Astronomical Society, says the continent already has access to satellite technologies that can improve agriculture, disaster management, climate adaptation and connectivity. The next step, he says, is ensuring that African countries develop the skills and institutions needed to turn satellite data into decisions that improve people’s lives.
His comments come as African countries increase investment in space science and strengthen collaboration between governments, researchers and industry. This trend was reflected at the second African Space Solutions Market, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 7 to 9 July, where African stakeholders discussed the use of space technologies to support economic development, food security, disaster management and climate resilience.
