Why Africa must join the space race

What you need to know:
- By working with the African Union’s African Space Strategy and partnering with agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency, we can secure a seat at the table where humanity’s future is being decided.
For those who know me, my resounding love for space and its endless opportunities is no secret. As a child, I would often stare at the night sky, marvelling at its beauty and pondering the mysteries it holds.
My fascination with the cosmos has only deepened over the years, especially as I realised the profound opportunities space exploration could offer. This passion drives my firm belief that Africa—and Uganda in particular—must not ignore the space race.
It’s not just about exploring the stars; it’s about creating opportunities that touch every aspect of our lives.
The global space economy, currently valued at over $546 billion, is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, according to the Space Foundation’s latest report.
Africa, with its vast untapped potential, must seize this opportunity, as satellites offer innovative solutions to critical challenges.
In Uganda, where over 70 percent of the population depends on farming, satellite imagery can transform agriculture by monitoring soil health, managing water resources, and predicting weather patterns, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions.
Additionally, with 60 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa still offline, satellites can bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to remote areas, fostering access to education, e-commerce, and telemedicine.
Moreover, as the continent faces increasing climate-related risks such as floods and droughts, satellites provide crucial data for early warnings, potentially saving lives and resources. By investing in space technology, Uganda can not only tackle these pressing issues but also drive economic growth and job creation.
Space exploration has always inspired curiosity and innovation. Establishing a space programme in Uganda could transform our education system by prioritising STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Imagine the impact of training programmes, scholarships, and collaborations with global space agencies. These initiatives would produce a generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators capable of solving not only space-related challenges but also those on Earth. Uganda’s youth, who make up 75 percent of the population, could drive the country into a new era of technological advancement.
Satellites do more than explore the cosmos; they provide actionable insights for governance. High-resolution imagery can assist urban planners in designing smarter cities, help monitor deforestation rates, and manage our precious natural resources.
For a country like Uganda, where rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation are pressing concerns, space technology offers tools to guide sustainable development. Space is the new frontier of global influence. Countries with space programmes command greater respect on the international stage.
Uganda’s involvement in the space race could boost its geopolitical standing and ensure Africa’s voice is heard in shaping global policies.
By working with the African Union’s African Space Strategy and partnering with agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency, we can secure a seat at the table where humanity’s future is being decided.
The benefits of the space race extend beyond science and technology. Satellite broadcasting can revolutionise entertainment, expanding access to global media and cultural exchange.
In healthcare, telemedicine powered by satellites ensures that even the most remote communities receive quality care. Tourism could also flourish as Uganda markets itself as a premier destination for stargazing and space-related exploration.
The arts and humanities would thrive as writers, filmmakers, and artists draw inspiration from Uganda’s growing role in the cosmos. Uganda has already taken significant steps, such as the launch of PearlAfricaSat-1 in 2022.
This small satellite is just the beginning. With strategic investments and partnerships, Uganda can progress from small-scale satellite projects to ambitious missions that contribute meaningfully to the global space economy.
The space race is no longer a distant dream—it is happening now. Countries and private companies are exploring asteroid mining, lunar bases, and Mars colonisation. Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
By acting today, Uganda can claim its share of this trillion-dollar industry and secure its place in shaping humanity’s destiny. For centuries, we’ve wondered about our place in the stars. Now, we have the chance to rewrite our story.
Uganda’s participation in the space race is about more than science and technology; it’s about proving that we belong among the innovators, the dreamers, and the achievers. The stars are not out of reach. They are our next destination, and with vision and commitment, we can ensure that Uganda’s name is written among them.
Dean Natukunda, [email protected]