The Côte d’Ivoire is set to make history by hosting the inaugural Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan from September 24 to 26, 2026. This groundbreaking continental event will spotlight the burgeoning space economy and satellite technologies, positioning the country as a future leader in Africa’s space sector.
Spearheaded by Tidiane Ouattara, a renowned space science expert and Commissioner-General of ASPEX under the African Union‘s auspices, the expo aims to become Africa’s premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and business opportunities in the space industry. « Space is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity, » emphasized Tidiane Ouattara, highlighting its critical role in security, natural resource management, telecommunications, agriculture, territorial surveillance, and disaster prevention.
Africa Space Expo draws inspiration from world-renowned events like the Paris Air Show and Dubai Technology Forums. The event will convene researchers, industrialists, investors, startups, inventors, and policymakers to forge strategic partnerships that will shape Africa’s space future. « This isn’t just about showcasing technology; it’s about creating tangible business opportunities and building alliances that will drive Africa’s progress, » remarked the Commissioner-General.
With Africa’s space market valued at nearly $30 billion (over 16.6 trillion FCFA)—a figure that remains largely untapped—ASPEX offers the Côte d’Ivoire a golden opportunity to establish itself as a credible player in the global space economy. The expo is more than an event; it’s a strategic move to unlock the continent’s vast potential.
Djibril Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire‘s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, underscored the ubiquity of space technology in daily life. « From GPS navigation to mobile transfers and internet access, satellite infrastructure underpins modern living. Space is already woven into our daily routines, » he noted. He further highlighted its transformative role in the country’s digital evolution, from improving rural connectivity and precision agriculture to enhancing risk management and public service efficiency.
The minister urged African startups, developers, and tech companies to leverage satellite data to innovate solutions tailored to local challenges. Meanwhile, Adama Diawara, Côte d’Ivoire‘s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, framed space technology as a cornerstone of the continent’s future. « This isn’t just another technology; it’s the backbone of 21st-century scientific, economic, and security development, » he declared.
Diawara stressed the urgency of cultivating homegrown expertise by bolstering university programs and research initiatives in space sciences and satellite applications. He also commended the Ivorian Space Agency for its pivotal role in structuring the nation’s space ecosystem and coordinating domestic initiatives.
ASPEX 2026 will unite space agencies, governments, technical and financial partners, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond. The United States and Morocco have been named honorary guest countries, signaling international interest in Africa’s space ambitions. For Tidiane Ouattara, ASPEX represents a pivotal milestone in Africa’s journey toward a self-sustaining space industry. « Africa is finally getting a platform to structure its space market, attract investments, and foster industrial alliances, » he concluded.
