The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has expressed optimism that the forthcoming Africa Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC 2026) will open new frontiers for investment, commercialisation and technological advancement, positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global space economy.
The Minister stated this during a ministerial press briefing at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, ahead of the conference scheduled to hold from 24th to 27th November 2026 in Abuja, noting that the gathering will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, space institutions, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and private sector investors to explore opportunities within Africa’s rapidly expanding space industry.
Dr. Udeh explained that the conference is expected to facilitate strategic partnerships, attract private sector investment, promote the commercialisation of space-based research and innovations, and strengthen collaboration among African countries. He emphasised that the platform will also encourage startups and indigenous technology companies to showcase their products, connect with potential investors and translate innovative ideas into viable businesses, jobs and economic opportunities.
He noted that Africa’s space economy, valued at approximately US$25 billion, offers enormous opportunities for economic diversification and technological development, stressing that the continent must move beyond dependence on foreign satellite technology towards building its capacity to design, manufacture and launch satellites locally. He further disclosed that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commenced the procurement process for four new satellites, a development expected to strengthen Nigeria’s space capabilities and stimulate indigenous participation in the space value chain.
The Minister commended the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for its leadership in advancing space science and technology, expressing confidence that ASEICC 2026 would generate actionable recommendations, strategic partnerships and investment commitments capable of accelerating the growth of Africa’s space economy, which is expanding at an estimated rate of eight per cent.
Earlier, the Director-General/CEO of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, said the conference would focus on the interconnected pillars of economy, innovation and communication, stressing the need to effectively communicate scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations in ways that investors can understand and translate into commercial opportunities. He explained that ASEICC 2026 would provide a platform for connecting Africa’s scientific and technological capabilities with investors, industry players and other stakeholders with the resources to drive commercialisation and industrial growth.
Prof. Adepoju expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his support towards energising the commercialisation of research and development, noting that the conference would strengthen Africa’s capacity to harness its space resources, stimulate economic growth and enhance the continent’s participation in the global space economy.
Mrs. Pauline Sule,mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations, FMIST
