Agenda

Africa hosts some of the world’s most strategically located astronomy facilities, yet the rapid expansion of LEO mega-constellations is changing the night sky. Increased satellite traffic introduces light pollution, radio frequency interference, and orbital congestion that threaten to compromise optical and radio observations, data integrity, and long-term research planning.

Africa’s space and deep-tech ambitions hinge on both infrastructure and people. As the continent continues to educate world-class engineers, scientists, and specialists who often leave to build their careers elsewhere, drawn by capital density, accessible research ecosystems, and predictable career pathways, there is a structural threat to the viability of national space programmes and the sustainability of commercial ecosystems