Côte d’Ivoire gears up to host Africa’s first dedicated space economy expo

The Africa Space Expo (ASPEX), set to unfold from September 24 to 26, 2026, at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, will mark a historic milestone as the continent’s premier gathering for space economy and satellite technologies. Spearheaded by Tidiane Ouattara, Space Science Expert at the African Union Commission and Commissioner-General of ASPEX, this event aims to establish itself as Africa’s go-to platform for innovation, collaboration, and business opportunities in the space sector.

“Space is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” emphasized Tidiane Ouattara, highlighting how space technologies have become indispensable across critical sectors such as national security, natural resource management, telecommunications, agriculture, territorial monitoring, and disaster prevention.

The expo draws inspiration from globally renowned events like the Paris Air Show and Dubai’s tech forums, aiming to unite researchers, industry leaders, investors, startups, inventors, and policymakers to forge impactful partnerships for Africa’s growth.

“Our goal isn’t just showcasing technology—we’re creating tangible business opportunities and strategic alliances to propel Africa forward,” Tidiane Ouattara added.

Why Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s space economy

With Africa’s space market valued at nearly $30 billion (over 16,683 billion FCFA)—a figure largely untapped by the continent’s governments—Côte d’Ivoire is seizing the moment to emerge as a key player in this burgeoning global industry through ASPEX.

Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, underscored the everyday impact of space technologies: “From GPS navigation to mobile payments and internet access, satellite infrastructure already powers our daily lives.” He emphasized the role of space tech in Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation, including:

• Improving rural connectivity
• Advancing precision agriculture
• Enhancing risk management
• Boosting public service efficiency

The minister also called on African startups, developers, and tech firms to leverage satellite data to develop localized, innovative solutions.

The future of Africa’s space sector hinges on education and collaboration

Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, framed space technology as a cornerstone for Africa’s future: “This isn’t just another technology—it’s a pillar for scientific, economic, and security progress in the 21st century.”

Diawara stressed the urgent need to build a skilled local workforce by expanding university programs and research initiatives in space science and satellite applications. He also praised the Ivorian Space Agency for its role in structuring the country’s space ecosystem and coordinating national efforts.

Global participation and strategic partnerships at ASPEX 2026

The inaugural ASPEX will bring together space agencies, governments, technical partners, financiers, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond. The United States and Morocco have been named the event’s honored guest countries, reflecting the international momentum behind Africa’s space ambitions.

Tidiane Ouattara sees ASPEX as a pivotal step in Africa’s journey toward building a thriving space industry: “This platform will finally give Africa the tools to organize its space market, attract investments, and foster industrial collaborations.”