The Value of Space Technology in Africa Report
The Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa team are pleased to share this report which shares how the UK-Africa Space Technology for Sustainability Global Innovation Network are driving international partnerships and delivering for communities.
Executive summary
Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa (GAA) is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). The project aims to build new and stronger UK-African partnerships to maximise the creation of inclusive market access, funding and investment opportunities through innovation, technology and knowledge transfer between the UK, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
In 2024, GAA launched a flagship UK-Africa Space Technology for Sustainability Global Innovation Network (Space GIN) across the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. The initiative aims to foster innovation and international collaboration within the sector, leveraging the potential of space technology to drive sustainable development.
Significant economic benefits
Space technology holds immense socio-economic potential for Africa, with its market valued at £16.16 billion in 2021 and projected to grow to £18.77 billion by 2026. This growth, alongside the continent’s population expected to surge to 830 million by 2050, presents a significant opportunity to leverage innovation for socio-economic advancement on the continent. The UK is a global leader in space technology, contributing significantly to the global space industry. In 2023, the UK space sector generated £18.2 billion in revenue, making it the largest space economy in Europe and the sixth largest globally.
Combatting the the effects of climate change
Space technology is increasingly crucial in addressing societal and climate challenges, with applications that enhance agricultural productivity such as in boosting crop yields by up to 20% in Kenya; and enabling connectivity for rural healthcare workers in Nigeria. By further utilising space-based technologies, Africa can gain valuable insights, refine decision-making processes, and implement transformative solutions to pressing issues.
Space sector stimulating economic growth
This research report outlines the value of space technology sector in Africa. It details the current landscape, key strategies and impactful projects that enforce and inform GAA’s commitment to advancing the continent’s space capabilities through its Space GIN. It highlights the ‘why’ behind our work, improving access to advanced technologies, building local expertise and unlocking international collaboration within the space sector. By showcasing successful partnerships in and innovative applications of space technology, we aim to demonstrate its catalytic effect on future economic growth, social development, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa.
Strong international partnerships
Our strategic focus is on fostering collaboration between the United Kingdom, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. Strong international partnerships between these geographies will support project development, enabling environments and commercial viability of doing business in the space sector in Africa. This document serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the transformative impact of space technology across three strategic geographies in Africa and the potential for international business partnerships in the sector to support the sustainable development agenda.
Related Events and Recordings
Related programmes
UK-Africa Space Technology for Sustainability Global Innovation Network
Boosting collaboration and sustainable innovation between African and UK space-technology companies while simultaneously enhancing positive social impact through space technology development and its applications.
Global Innovation Networks
Global Innovation Networks unite some of the best minds and greatest thinkers from across the UK and globally to find answers to some of the world’s most significant challenges. The Networks will facilitate UK, African and EU networks to deliver collaborative research, innovation and funding solutions that address key global innovation challenges.
Global Alliance Africa
This Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa 6-year (2019-2025) project funded by UK International Development aims to build new and stronger UK-African partnerships to maximise the creation of inclusive market access, funding and investment opportunities through innovation knowledge transfer between the UK, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.