Abidjan is set to host the inaugural Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) from September 24 to 26, 2026, at its Exhibition Park. This landmark continental event will spotlight the burgeoning space economy and cutting-edge satellite technologies. Spearheaded by Tidiane Ouattara, a distinguished space sciences expert at the African Union Commission and the event’s Commissioner General, ASPEX is designed to emerge as Africa’s premier platform for innovation, collaborative ventures, and business prospects within the rapidly expanding space sector.
“Space is no longer a luxury; it is an absolute necessity,” asserted Tidiane Ouattara, underscoring the critical strategic role that space technologies now play across numerous vital sectors. These include national security, effective natural resource management, telecommunications advancements, precision agriculture, comprehensive territorial surveillance, and proactive disaster prevention.
Drawing inspiration from globally renowned gatherings such as the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and Dubai’s prominent technology forums, the Africa Space Expo aims to convene a diverse array of stakeholders. Researchers, industry leaders, investors, innovative startups, pioneering inventors, and key political decision-makers will gather to forge impactful partnerships crucial for the continent’s progress.
“Our objective extends beyond merely showcasing technologies; we aim to generate tangible business opportunities and cultivate strategic alliances vital for Africa’s future,” clarified the Commissioner General.
According to the organizers, the current valuation of the African space market stands at an impressive nearly 30 billion US dollars, equivalent to over 16,683 billion FCFA. This substantial potential remains largely underexploited by African nations. Through ASPEX, Côte d’Ivoire intends to firmly establish itself as a credible and significant player in this dynamic global economy.
Speaking at the event, Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, emphasized that space applications are already deeply integrated into the daily lives of citizens. “Everyday activities, from GPS navigation and mobile money transfers to internet access, rely significantly on satellite infrastructure. Space is undeniably already part of our lives,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted the pivotal contribution of space technologies to Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing digital transformation. Specific benefits include enhancing connectivity in rural areas, fostering the growth of precision agriculture, optimizing risk management strategies, and boosting the efficiency of public services. He also issued an invitation to African startups, developers, and technology firms to increasingly leverage satellite data to conceptualize and deliver innovative new services tailored to local realities.
Echoing these sentiments, Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented space as a paramount strategic imperative for the continent’s future. “We are not discussing just one technology among many; 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 critical mass of local expertise. This will be achieved through reinforcing university curricula and scientific research programs specifically in fields related to space sciences and satellite applications. He also commended the Côte d’Ivoire Space Agency for its instrumental role in structuring the Ivorian space ecosystem and coordinating national initiatives.
This inaugural ASPEX edition will bring together numerous space agencies, governmental representatives, technical and financial partners, investors, and innovation stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. The United States and Morocco have been designated as the honored guest countries for the event.
For Tidiane Ouattara, this event signifies a crucial milestone in the development of a robust African space industry. “Africa is finally establishing a dedicated platform capable of structuring its space market, attracting essential investments, and fostering crucial industrial alliances,” he concluded.