Space Network has launched Space Network | Africa, coinciding with the Space Symposium at Colorado Springs (April 7th through 10th). This initiative is set to drive space-based economic growth, innovation, and education across the African continent, positioning Africa as a significant player in the global space sector.
With Africa’s rapidly growing, tech-savvy population, more than 60% under the age of 25, the establishment of Space Network | Africa’s is timely. The initiative aims to support Africa’s untapped talent, resources, and innovation potential to drive economic growth, technological advancement, global competitiveness and ultimately benefit the population.
Space Network | Africa aims to establish marketplaces facilitating global connections between space enterprises, universities, research institutions, innovators, African space agencies, and investors, creating vibrant regional clusters. A Pan-African Space Incubator and strategic commercial partnerships with international agencies aims to further underpin this vision. Space Network | Africa also aims to connect the Global North to help drive the innovation of the Global South.
In addition, Space Network | Africa’s educational initiatives will span primary education to professional development, aiming to create a continuous pipeline of talent. Initial programs include online education modules developed in strategic partnership with Nova Space alongside in-person pilot projects in Kenyan, Ghanaian, and South African schools, and embrace regional, cultural, and language needs to create an inclusive platform across Africa.
Space Network | Africa’s innovation-focused programs aim to bridge education and industry, providing practical experience through satellite builds, innovation boot camps, and entrepreneurship competitions. Notable projects include collaborations with cube sat manufacturers for a multi-country satellite design program, a regional Space Grant Consortium, and the upcoming “Space for Africa Challenge,” leading to pitches at the inaugural Pan-African Space Summit in 2026.
The Space Network | Africa Secretariat, co-chaired by Ross Hamilton and Thabo Kupa, alongside Allan Okoth (Education), Kwaku Sumah (Innovation) and Joshua Kisiangani, will steer strategic direction and program delivery. Founding Space Network | Africa Ambassadors include former Ambassador of Kenya to The Hague, Margaret W. N. Shava, and distinguished venture capitalist, Eric Osiakwan.
Ross Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer of Space Network, said, “Launching Space Network | Africa will be transformative for the continent. By uniting talent and resources from across the continent, we aim to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable, and impactful space economy. Africa is ready to become a global leader in space-driven initiatives from agriculture and telecommunications to climate monitoring and equatorial launch.”
Thabo Kupa, the newly appointed Hub Manager of Space Network | Africa, said, “Our ambition is bold, but our approach is focused. By establishing Space Network | Africa, fostering regional clusters, collaborating on policy and regulatory frameworks, and attracting global investment, we’re dedicated to accelerating Africa’s commercial space capabilities.”
Allan Okoth, Educational Programs Lead, said, “Our education initiatives aim to inspire Africans of all ages, from school children to aspiring space professionals. By connecting global expertise with local context, we’re equipping Africa’s youth for dynamic careers in the global space economy.”
Joseph Horvath, Co-founder and CEO of Nova Space Inc., said, “Nova Space is thrilled to partner with Space Network | Africa to deliver high-quality space training and support the growth of Africa’s emerging space workforce. We believe that this collaboration represents a powerful step toward building a truly global space community. By working together, we can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to shape the future of space.”
Kwaku Sumah, Innovation Lead and CEO of Spacehubs Africa, said, “Our collaboration with Space Network | Africa will rapidly scale innovative opportunities continent-wide, driving commercial viability and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs in the space industry.”
Andy Campbell, CEO & Founder of Space Network, said, “I am absolutely delighted to announce the creation of Space Network | Africa. This marks the first of many Space Network hubs planned around the globe as we strive to connect the sector, fostering collaboration and innovation for positive and impactful outcomes worldwide.”
