By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Côte d’Ivoire’s technology
and space ecosystem is set to benefit from deeper collaboration following a
working visit by African Space Agency (AfSA) President Dr. Tidiane Ouattara to
the Village des Technologies de l’Information et de la Biotechnologie (VITIB).
The visit provided an
opportunity for VITIB Director General Mebeti Dosso to present the
institution’s technology ecosystem, infrastructure and development prospects,
while discussing opportunities to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s participation in
the emerging African space economy.
Discussions focused on key
areas considered critical to the development of the continent’s space sector,
including capacity building, private-sector participation, research and
innovation, skills development and the nurturing of technological talent.
VITIB’s strategic
positioning, infrastructure and established technology ecosystem were
highlighted as potential assets that could support the development of Côte
d’Ivoire’s space industry and encourage greater collaboration between public
institutions, technology companies, researchers and innovators.
The engagement also
highlighted the growing importance of connecting the country’s technology and
innovation ecosystem with Africa’s expanding space sector, particularly as
satellite technologies and space-based services become increasingly relevant to
communications, agriculture, environmental monitoring and other areas of
economic development.
During the visit, Dr.
Ouattara invited VITIB’s management and its technology community to participate
in the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX 2026), scheduled to take place at the Abidjan
Exhibition Center from September 24 to 26, 2026.
ASPEX 2026 is being jointly
supported by the African Union and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire through the
African Space Agency and the Côte d’Ivoire Space Agency. The event is expected
to bring together space agencies, governments, private-sector companies,
researchers, investors and other stakeholders to promote partnerships and
investment in Africa’s space economy.
The initiative seeks to
position Abidjan as a continental and international hub for space-related
business, technology and innovation, while providing opportunities for African
players to strengthen their participation in the global space value chain.
