How has Africa benefited from investment in space technology? So, Africa has made some gains, but it could be better. Some African countries have also developed national space policies and strategies. In addition to national initiatives, there are several externally funded space-related programmes and projects in Africa which have created an inflow of funds, knowledge and infrastructure into the continent.įurthermore, the African Space Policy and Strategy was adopted in 2016. Those that were already aware of the benefits of space technology in development started seeking means to procure satellites and acquire space-related knowledge. Two centres were established in Africa: one in Morocco for the French-speaking African countries, and the other in Nigeria for the English-speaking African countries.Īt about this time, South Africa was developing what would become Africa’s first indigenously built satellite – Sunsat – which was launched in 1999.įrom these early steps, more African nations started developing an interest in space. The speech made by Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah at the launch of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 highlighted how Africa’s development and prosperity needed science and technology.īut a major leap in space activities started around 1998, with the establishment by the United Nations of Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education in developing countries. How far would you say Africa has come in the space age?Īs African countries started gaining independence, they could, to some extent, control their human and financial resources. But the activities were not designed to benefit African countries. In that sense, one may say that Africa participated in early space activities. The US also placed tracking stations in Nigeria and South Africa to support US space missions. Some of these scientists were interested in understanding phenomena surrounding the Earth and Sun.Īt about this time (1957-8), the International Geophysical Year provided an opportunity for international research on the science and impact of the Sun-Earth system. These were mostly done abroad through scholarships and fellowships. Outer space was, therefore, of little concern to Africa.įree nations on the other hand could channel their resources into space exploration.ĭespite the restrictions and challenges in their home countries, African scientists still made efforts to study and do research in their areas of interest. Educational systems were also designed to meet the needs of colonial masters. They could not pay attention to research and development, particularly in nuclear physics, space and the oceans.
The colonies were made to focus on the labour, raw materials and agricultural crops that were needed by their colonial masters. Through the colonial systems and structures put in place then, African countries had no control over their natural and human resources.
Only Ghana had gained independence, earlier that year. During this period, most African countries were still under colonial rule.
Sputnik happened partly due to the cold war rivalry between the US and the former Soviet Union. Russia’s Sputnik kicked off the space age in 1957. In this interview, Adejuwon Soyinka, West Africa regional editor at The Conversation Africa, asks Etim Offiong about how far Africa has come in the space age and what benefits the continent stands to gain from its investment in space technology. The theme this year is space and sustainability. If you were previously booked onto courses, a member of the team will be in touch.Every year in October nearly 100 countries organise activities to mark World Space Week.
Our pool is exclusively used for swimming lessons at various times throughout the week so please refer to the opening times for family swimming. On bank holidays & school holidays sessions are bookable the whole day and on weekends from 2pm-8pm during term time. To use the Little Space pool for family use, members need to book a slot via the App. Please book your classes as before on the Third Space App.
0 kommentar(er)
