China and Somalia sign satellite cooperation deal at NewSpace Africa Conference
Date: 2026-04-20
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
A
new milestone in international space cooperation has been recorded at the
NewSpace Africa Conference in Libreville, where the Land Satellite Remote
Sensing Application Center (LASAC), under the Ministry of Natural Resources of
the People's Republic of China, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Ministry of Communication and Technology of Somalia.
The
agreement focuses on strengthening collaboration in satellite imagery
applications, with the aim of supporting data-driven development, innovation,
and improved decision-making capabilities through the use of earth observation
technologies.
The
signing took place during the NewSpace Africa Conference, currently underway in
Libreville, Gabon, under the theme “Inclusive Growth: Expanding Space Benefits
to All Africans.” The conference is convened by Space in Africa in
collaboration with the African Space Agency and hosted by the Agence Gabonaise
d'Études et d'Observations Spatiales.
Organisers
say the partnership reflects growing momentum in leveraging space technology to
support inclusive growth across Africa and beyond, with particular emphasis on
practical applications that enhance governance, environmental monitoring, and
sustainable development.
The
agreement is expected to open new pathways for technical cooperation and
capacity building in satellite-based services between the two countries,
reinforcing the role of space data in advancing development priorities.
