Abidjan is preparing to host the inaugural edition of the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) from September 24 to 26, 2026. This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the Parc des Expositions, will focus on the burgeoning space economy and satellite advancements across the continent. Led by Tidiane Ouattara, a space science expert at the African Union Commission and the event’s general commissioner, ASPEX aims to become a premier African platform for innovation, industrial cooperation, and commercial opportunities.

“Space technology is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity,” stated Tidiane Ouattara. He highlighted that orbital assets now play a critical role in strategic sectors, including national security, natural resource management, telecommunications, agriculture, and disaster prevention.

Drawing inspiration from world-class gatherings like the Paris-Le Bourget International Air and Space Show or Dubai’s technology forums, the Africa Space Expo intends to bring together scientists, industrial leaders, investors, and policymakers. The goal is to forge structural partnerships that will benefit the entire continent.

“Our objective is not merely to showcase new technologies, but to generate concrete business prospects and establish strategic alliances for Africa,” the general commissioner added.

According to the organizing committee, the African space market is currently valued at nearly $30 billion, or over 16,683 billion FCFA. This represents a massive potential that remains largely untapped by African nations. Through ASPEX, Côte d’Ivoire seeks to establish itself as a major player in this fast-growing global industry.

Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, noted during his address that space technology is already deeply integrated into daily life. “Common activities such as GPS navigation, mobile money transfers, and internet connectivity all rely on satellite infrastructure. Space is already part of our lives,” he remarked.

The minister also emphasized the vital role of space tools in the digital transformation of Côte d’Ivoire, particularly for enhancing rural connectivity, advancing precision agriculture, and improving the efficiency of public services. He encouraged African startups and developers to leverage satellite data to create innovative services tailored to local needs.

Furthermore, Adama Diawara, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, described the space sector as a strategic pillar for the continent’s future. “We are not just talking about one technology among many, but a foundation for scientific, economic, and security development in the 21st century,” he asserted.

Minister Adama Diawara specifically pointed out the need to develop a strong pool of local talent by strengthening university curricula and scientific research in space sciences. He also commended the Ivorian Space Agency for its efforts in structuring the national ecosystem and coordinating various space initiatives.

This first edition of ASPEX will host various space agencies, governments, and financial partners from across the globe. Notably, the United States and Morocco have been designated as the guests of honor for the event.

For Tidiane Ouattara, this expo represents a significant milestone in building a robust African space industry. He concluded that Africa is finally creating a platform capable of organizing its space market, attracting investment, and encouraging industrial collaboration.