Africa-EU partners advance satellite navigation agenda at SatNav Africa Steering Committee Meeting

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

African and European partners have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing satellite navigation development across the continent following the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the Satellite Navigation in Africa Joint Programme Office held from March 24 to 25, 2026.

The meeting, convened in Brussels, built on the outcomes of the 2nd AU-EU Space Dialogue and brought together key stakeholders to assess progress, align strategic priorities and define the next phase of collaboration.

Co-chaired by the European Commission and the African Union Commission, the session included participation from Regional Economic Communities such as the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), alongside aviation bodies and industry stakeholders.

Discussions reaffirmed the Joint Programme Office’s commitment to aligning its objectives with continental priorities, particularly those of the African Union Commission and the African Space Agency, to ensure a coordinated approach to Africa’s satellite navigation ambitions.

Participants also expressed strong support for advancing the Africa-led Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), while strengthening cooperation frameworks through jointly developed initiatives with African partners. The meeting further emphasized the importance of expanding research and innovation through programmes such as the GNSS Innovation Hub, alongside sustained investment in capacity building and market development.

In addition, members explored new enhancements linked to Europe’s Galileo services and the Early Warning Service System, highlighting the role of European technological contributions in supporting Africa’s growing space ecosystem.

The week’s engagements concluded with the first governance meeting of the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, where stakeholders examined opportunities to strengthen synergies across satellite navigation, Earth observation and connectivity, while supporting the operationalisation of the African Space Agency.

The SatNav Africa Joint Programme Office, now marking over a decade of collaboration, continues to serve as a key platform for fostering cooperation between Africa and the European Union in the development of satellite navigation capabilities across the continent.