A delegation of space experts from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa is embarking on a knowledge exchange tour of the United Kingdom’s top space research, manufacturing, and launch facilities.
Organized by Innovate UK and Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA), in collaboration with the Research Institute of Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), the tour aims to foster collaboration and partnership opportunities between African and British counterparts in the space sector.
Read also: University of Edinburgh, ILRI renew MOU on livestock systems research
Week-Long Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities
Spanning from December 4 to 8, 2023, the ‘UK-Africa Space-Technology Knowledge Exchange Tour’ involves African space innovators, entrepreneurs, and government officials engaging in presentations, roundtable discussions, and site visits across England and Scotland. The delegation seeks to gain insights into the UK’s challenges, opportunities, and experiences in building sustainable space ecosystems. The tour provides a platform for examining potential joint research, development, and commercial partnerships between the UK and African nations.
Collaboration for Industry Growth and Knowledge Transfer
Alana Kruger, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Manager for South Africa, highlights the UK’s status as a global leader in space and emphasizes the importance of the tour in fostering collaboration.
Kruger states, “Our focus is on giving our African partners an opportunity to interrogate how these elements contribute to a robust space ecosystem and explore how they can apply similar strategies to spur industry growth at home.”
The tour includes representatives from national space agencies, academic institutions, and directors of African space startups, aiming to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance capabilities within the global space community.
Board Member of ZASPACE and Managing Director of Wanscan Consulting, Janusha Singh, expresses excitement about the opportunity to learn from the UK’s advanced space industry, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in areas like agriculture and disaster management. Singh looks forward to applying the gained knowledge and relationships to boost South Africa’s contribution to the global space community.
In Singh’s words: “Joining this tour is an exciting opportunity to learn from the UK’s advanced space industry. There are many up- and downstream opportunities for collaboration between our two industries, especially now as space technology starts playing a more prominent role in areas like agriculture and disaster management. I am looking forward to applying the knowledge and relationships gained on this trip, to enhance our own capabilities and boost South Africa’s contribution to the global space community.”