In 2012, the African Union (AU) established the African Union Space Working Group (AUSWG) to among other things, develop the African Space Policy and Strategy, as part of efforts towards the formalisation of the African outer space programme. These documents were completed and adopted by African Heads of States and Governments in January 2016. The documents provide a framework for Africa’s space priorities, programmes and partnerships. The African Space Agency (AfSA), with headquarters in Egypt, was then established in 2018, to implement the African outer space programme.
This course is a thorough examination of the African outer space programme within the context of the global space enterprise. The course contains lectures and discussions on the conceptualisation, drafting process and adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy. These are examined within the context of the present and emerging international space governance system. Through the course, participants will gain knowledge and insights into space policy, law and governance.