Draft African Space Policy

AMCOMET: 2nd Task Force Meeting26 May 2014

Structure of the Policy

IntroductionPolicy GoalsPolicy ObjectivesPolicy PrinciplesProposed next stepsTowards an African Space Strategy

IntroductionAMCOST IV, March 2010, recommended the establishment of a Space Working Group (SWG)AMCOST V, March 2012, further recommended the establishment of the SWGWork of the SWG to be presented to AMCOST VI

IntroductionRegional representation

North Africa – Algeria and EgyptEast Africa – Kenya and TanzaniaWest Africa – Ghana and NigeriaCentral Africa – Cameroon and Congo, BrazzavilleSouthern Africa – Namibia and South Africa

IntroductionTerms of Reference

Articulation of a shared space visionDetermination of future global trends and niche areas that Africa should focus onArticulation of an African Space Policy and a Strategy, programmes and governanceIdentification of existing space related infrastructure/institutionsIdentification of human resources needs

IntroductionSignificant growth potentialBenefits of space science and technologyHigh capital cost of space activitiesSpace derived servicesNeed for indigenous critical massFragmented space activities and need for coordination

Policy Goals1. To use space science and

technology to derive optimal socio-economic benefits that improves the quality of lives and creates wealth

2. To develop and maintain indigenous infrastructure and capabilities that services an African market

Policy Objectives1. Addressing user needs

2. Accessing space services

3. Developing the regional market/industry

4. Adopting good governance and management

5. Coordinating the African space arena

6. Promoting international cooperation

Policy principlesAddressing user needs

Improve the economy and quality of lifeAddress the essential needs of the African marketDevelopment of services and products using African capacitiesDevelop requisite human resources to address user needsMaintain efficiency and sustainability

Policy principlesAccessing space services

Use existing space infrastructurePromote capacity building for accessing space servicesAdopt a data sharing frameworkDevelop and increase our asset baseEstablishment of regional and sub-regional centers of excellence

Policy principlesDeveloping the regional market

A people centered, market based industrial capabilityGlobally competitive African space programmePromote public private partnershipsCoherent development, upgrade and operation of African space infrastructureR&D led industrial developmentUse indigenous space technologies, products and services

Policy principlesAdopting good governance and

management

Establish an organisational frameworkAfrican financial support as the main funding sourcePromote knowledge sharingMonitor and evaluate space activitiesRegulate space activitiesMaintain an awareness campaign

Policy principlesCoordinating the African space arena

Promote partnerships across all sectorsCommit funds to optimise and improve effectivenessHarmonise and standardise all infrastructureEstablish communities of practicePreserve the long-term sustainability of outer spaceSecure the space environment for Africa’s use

Policy principlesPromoting international cooperation

Space in Africa, for Africa and by AfricansEnsuring a reasonable and significant financial and/or social returnRespect international agreementsIntra-continental partnerships must be promoted

Proposed Next Steps

Consultation with policy organs of the AUConsultation with all AU Member StatesPresentation at the AMCOST Bureau meeting in Sudan in SeptemberFormal approval from the AU Summit in January 2015

Towards an African Space Strategy

Workshop with African experts in December 2013 on

Earth ObservationSatellite CommunicationsNavigation and PositioningSpace Science

Drafting of a Strategy documentSame approval process as the Space Policy

THANK YOU

(val.munsami@dst.gov.za)