African governments have increasingly become aware of the potential and opportunities underlying the space sector, which is evident by the growing number of African countries developing national space programs.

A 2021 report by the World Economic Forum estimates that data collected from space could unlock $2 billion a year in benefits for Africa

Since the continent's first satellite launched more than 20 years ago, 44 have been sent into orbit by 13 African countries, according to consultancy Space in Africa. It says a further 125 are being developed by 23 countries, all expected to launch before 2025.

Through Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union has identified space technologies as a critical tool that can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.

Space technologies continue to be instrumental to Africa’s development, with an increasing number of space application projects being implemented across the continent.

African space industry revenues will surpass US$ 10.24 billion by 2024 despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic.