Angola launches into the space race. President João Lourenço announced the creation of the Angolan Space Agency, a key step to strengthen the country’s technological independence and better utilize satellite data. This new structure is part of the momentum of the National Space Program, while the ANGOSAT‑2 satellite, launched in 2023, is already connecting more than 150 rural areas across 16 provinces through the Connecta Angola project.
To strengthen its technological independence, reduce the digital divide, and better utilize satellite data, President João Lourenço announced on October 15th the creation of the Angolan Space Agency. This initiative continues the work of the National Space Program. It comes as the country is already operating the ANGOSAT‑2 telecommunications satellite, launched in 2023, which connects more than 150 rural localities in 16 of the 18 provinces, notably through the Connecta Angola project.
Regarding the space industry in Africa, it is certain that we must develop one day. We will therefore see a growing interest in attracting foreign companies to collaborate with local players and do business. More specifically, within the space economy currently driven by the private sector, the timing is ideal.
With the creation of this space agency, Angola now aims to transition from a mere user to a true producer of space technologies. With ANGOSAT‑2, a ground control infrastructure, and more than 300 professionals already trained, the country has the necessary foundations to develop a national space industry in a context where the telecommunications sector surpassed 25 million mobile subscribers in 2024.
We do not yet have the necessary ecosystem to study space in Africa. The challenges we face mainly concern funding, the lack of infrastructure and human resources, which also makes it difficult for young people to fully succeed in space programs.
The space agency’s mission will be to steer the space strategy, oversee ongoing projects, train local talent, promote innovation, regulate space activity from a legal standpoint, and develop national and international partnerships.