Sixteen Space Agencies Expected in Abuja as Nigeria Hosts Africa Space Economy Conference

Oru Leonard 

Nigeria is set to host the Africa Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC 2026), a major continental gathering expected to bring together Directors-General of African space agencies, international technology experts, policymakers, investors and industry leaders to explore opportunities in Africa’s emerging space economy.

The four-day conference, scheduled for November 24–27, 2026, will take place at the Obasanjo Space Centre, Airport Road, Abuja, under the theme: “Harnessing Space Economy, Driving Innovation, Connecting Africa’s Future.”

Organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the conference is designed to provide a strategic platform for advancing space science, satellite applications, communication technologies, investment and international collaboration across Africa.

The event, supported by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), is expected to attract approximately 1,500 delegates, more than 50 exhibitors, 30 speakers and over 20 space agency Directors-General, with 16 Directors-General and Chief Executives of African space agencies specifically identified among the expected participants.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the Nigeria Space Council, is listed as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, is the Chief Host.

The Director-General of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, will serve as the host of the conference.

According to the organisers, ASEICC 2026 seeks to position Africa to take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy, estimated by the organisers at over $500 billion, through strategic partnerships, trade, investment and technological innovation.

The programme will feature high-level strategic and policy discussions, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geospatial intelligence, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, data and emerging technologies, as well as trade, investment and financial technology.

Particular attention will also be given to the application of space technology in agriculture, national security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, broadband connectivity and environmental management.

The conference will equally provide opportunities for African governments, universities, private companies and international development partners to establish bilateral and multilateral partnerships, sign memoranda of understanding and explore foreign direct investment opportunities.

Among the international and continental personalities expected are representatives of the African Space Agency, South African National Space Agency, Egyptian Space Agency, Kenya Space Agency, Senegalese Space Agency, UAE Space Agency and other international space institutions.

The participation of global space industry players is also expected to strengthen knowledge exchange, technology transfer and opportunities for African startups and innovators.

Beyond scientific and technological discussions, the conference will feature exhibitions, strategic investment roundtables, networking sessions, innovation showcases and discussions on financing Africa’s space ambitions.

The organisers believe the gathering will strengthen continental cooperation and provide a platform for African countries to develop sustainable space programmes capable of addressing developmental challenges and creating new economic opportunities.

The conference comes at a time when satellite technology, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and digital communication systems are increasingly becoming important tools for economic competitiveness, national security and sustainable development.

Stakeholders in the space, telecommunications, media, education, agriculture, finance and technology sectors are expected to participate.

Registration and exhibition opportunities are available through the official conference website.

For registration and further information: https://www.africaspace.org/