Africa: Growing Budgets Show Africa Keen to Defend Its Place in the Space Race

What the report says

African governments are increasing investment in space programmes as they seek a stronger role in global space policy, better access to satellite data and greater technological independence. In an RFI report published by AllAfrica on 14 September 2026, the combined African space budget was said to have risen to about $800 million, up from less than $300 million in 2018, while annual investment across the continent was described as roughly $500 million and expected to grow sharply by 2030. The article said these figures remain far below global spending, but that the sector is expanding quickly.

The report highlighted the growing institutional base for the industry, including the African Union’s continental space agency in Cairo and more than 20 countries now operating space programmes, compared with eight in 2018. It also noted that African delegations attended the International Space Summit in Paris on 9 and 10 September, where leaders and experts argued that African states should not only use space services but also help shape decisions on spectrum, orbital access and technology transfer.

Among the countries cited, Rwanda and Senegal featured prominently. Rwanda has launched a satellite, created a national space agency and developed certified ground-station capacity, while Senegal has put its first satellite into orbit and is exploring future launch options. The article said African officials see space tools as practical infrastructure for climate monitoring, agriculture, healthcare, telecommunications and urban planning, especially as cities grow and climate pressures intensify. It also pointed to calls for African cooperation so countries can pool data, expertise and investment rather than pursue separate strategies.