Space technology can help Africa tackle food security, climate challenges
Space technology could play a far greater role in improving food security, managing climate risks and driving economic growth across Africa, according to a leading South African space scientist.
Prof Amare Abebe, director of the Centre for Space Research at North-West University (NWU) and president of the African Astronomical Society, says satellite technology is already providing African countries with valuable data to support agriculture, disaster management and digital connectivity.
Speaking after the African Space Solutions Market, held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in July, Abebe said the continent's greatest challenge is no longer access to space technology, but the ability to turn satellite data into practical decisions.
"Earth observation satellites give us continuous, continent-wide data on rainfall, soil moisture, vegetation health and crop conditions, allowing early warning of drought and better planning for agricultural seasons," he said.
The same technology is also used for flood mapping, wildfire monitoring and disaster response, while satellite communications help expand access to education, financial services and internet connectivity in remote areas.
Abebe said African governments should focus on strengthening institutions and developing the technical skills needed to translate satellite information into solutions that benefit communities.
"The challenge for Africa is less about access to space technology than about building the capacity to turn space data into decisions on the ground," he said.
Working with users
He added that successful projects must be developed alongside the people who will use them, including farmers, municipalities and disaster management agencies, rather than being imposed from above.
Universities also have a critical role to play by training the next generation of scientists, engineers and data specialists needed to grow the continent's space sector.
Further, Abebe believes the biggest employment opportunities lie in the growing downstream space economy, where businesses develop applications using satellite data. "The barrier to entry is a laptop and skills, not a launch vehicle," he said.
He encouraged young Africans interested in the sector to build strong foundations in mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering, while developing programming and data analysis skills.
Abebe said recent continental initiatives, including the African Space Solutions Market, demonstrate that Africa is steadily building its own space ecosystem by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, governments and investors.
He said continued investment, collaboration and consistent funding would be essential to ensure that African-designed technologies deliver local solutions, create skilled jobs and strengthen the continent's resilience to climate change and other development challenges.
