UAE Space Agency signs African pacts to export satellite expertise

The UAE Space Agency signed two strategic agreements with African partners on Wednesday, 30 September, at the inaugural Africa Space Expo (ASPEX 2026) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The move aims to export Emirati space expertise and data solutions to address development priorities across the continent, including food security and climate monitoring. Strategic MoUs with African Agencies Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Space Agency (AfSA) to cooperate on peaceful space activities. A second agreement, a Letter of Intent (LoI), was established with Angola's National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN). These pacts focus on Earth observation, satellite data sharing, and the development of space policy and regulation. The agreement with AfSA, signed alongside Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the AfSA Council, establishes a joint action plan for disaster management and food security. The partnership with Angola’s GGPEN includes technical exchanges, internships, and research innovation in satellite development. The signings were witnessed by Mário Oliveira, Angola’s Minister of Telecommunications, and Ali Yousef Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire. National Space Strategy 2031 Targets The delegation's presence in Abidjan is a direct step toward the UAE National Space Strategy 2031, which aims to position the UAE among the top 10 global space economies. The strategy targets a…