The Côte d'Ivoire government has expressed its desire to strengthen its space and technology ecosystem by focusing on institutional cooperation, training, innovation, and better utilization of spatial data. This was stated by Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Director-General of the Côte d'Ivoire Space Agency (ASCI), at the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Ivoirian Frequency Management Agency's (AIGF) Radiocommunications Forum and the first edition of the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX). The events, held at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, brought together institutional, scientific, academic, and private sector actors to discuss issues related to radiocommunications, frequencies, space technologies, and innovation.
The simultaneous holding of the two events highlights the growing complementarity between frequency management, communication networks, and space activities. Dr. Ouattara emphasized that no individual, institution, or country can tackle space exploration alone, and therefore, collaboration is essential. He praised the partnership between ASCI and AIGF and called for strengthened collaboration with other Ivoirian institutions and international partners. The events saw the participation of various stakeholders, including students and young professionals, who were encouraged to take an interest in space and technology careers.
The first edition of ASPEX achieved significant results, with over 250 bilateral business meetings organized during the three-day event. Dr. Ouattara noted that these meetings brought together space sector actors, facilitated exchanges, and opened up new partnership opportunities. The Côte d'Ivoire government is committed to making the space sector a contributor to the country's economic, scientific, and social development. The government aims to move beyond mere access to space and focus on acquiring data, developing applications, and transforming space technologies into high-value-added services for its populations.
Representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Director of Cabinet, Pr Arsène Kobea, emphasized the government's ambition to make the space sector a key driver of development. He encouraged students and young participants to explore space and technology careers while ensuring that developed solutions meet the needs of populations. Pr Kobea advised the youth to look to space while keeping in mind that solutions developed must serve the Earth and its populations.
The Radiocommunications Forum and the Africa Space Expo provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the space and technology sector. The events featured various exhibitions and presentations showcasing the latest developments and innovations in the field. Participants had the opportunity to engage with experts and learn about the latest trends and advancements in space technology.
The Côte d'Ivoire government has recognized the importance of investing in the space sector to drive economic growth and development. The government is committed to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the space industry, including providing support for research and development, training, and innovation. The ASPEX and AIGF events have demonstrated the country's commitment to becoming a major player in the African space industry.
The successful hosting of the ASPEX and AIGF events has set the stage for future collaborations and partnerships in the space and technology sector. The Côte d'Ivoire government is expected to continue to play a leading role in promoting the development of the space industry in Africa. The country's focus on cooperation, training, innovation, and better utilization of spatial data is expected to yield significant benefits for its economic, scientific, and social development.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire aims to strengthen its space and technology ecosystem through institutional cooperation, training, innovation, and better use of spatial data.
