Global Experts in Rwanda to discuss way forward towards Space Industry

Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) is hoisting Space technology experts, leaders, policymakers, and academics from Rwanda, Africa and the world in Kigali to discuss ways Africa can leverage and tap into the space industry.

Opening of the Rwanda Space Week Conference, Minister for ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire Musoni, highlighted Rwanda’s initiatives aimed at leveraging space technologies.

She pointed out that Rwanda joining the rest of the globe to mark the world space week is not just a major milestone but also an opportunity to look back at the remarkable progress that has been registered in a short time since the country embarked on its ambitious efforts to explore space for development.

The Minister observed that what RSA has been able to achieve over the past three years is testament to the country’s vision to integrate technology in development and the future has never been brighter.

“The last three years since the establishment of the Rwanda Space Agency really shows the commitment that the government has in propelling our country to be at the forefront of specific knowledge,” she said, answering those who were left with a sense of curiosity when Rwanda launched the space agency.

Over the past few weeks, RSA conducted a nationwide awareness campaign where it explained to citizens and stakeholders Rwanda’s mission and efforts to explore space for socioeconomic development, something Minister Ingabire said was important to debunk some of the misconceptions around Rwanda’s endeavours.

The CEO of RSA, Col. Francis Ngabo said that Rwanda’s efforts align with the theme of the world space week 2023, which is “space and entrepreneurship.”

“In this view we, recognize the growing significance of the commercial space industry, and increasing opportunity for space entrepreneurship, as well as the new benefits of space developed by space entrepreneurs,”

“Statistics show that the space industry globally is worth 400 billion US dollars and it is expected to grow to One trillion US dollars by 2030. However, in Africa, the industry is estimated at only 19bn US dollars or less than 5% of the global industry,” Col. Ngabo said.

Col.Ngabo further pointed out that this low level of space industry development in Africa, should be seen as an opportunity for young African and Rwandan entrepreneurs to venture into the space business.

“To tap into this opportunity in the global business value chain, we are working with stakeholders and partners to put in place the right infrastructures to create a conducive environment for investment innovation in the space sector in Rwanda,” he said.

He observed that the conference, attended by players in the global space ecosystem, is an opportunity to share insights and expertise in different areas including satellite communication, space observation, remote sensing space strategy, space engineering and satellite manufacturing.

PM