Dakar to host the 2027 edition of the NewSpace Africa Conference

Space in Africa, in collaboration with the African Space Agency, is organising the sixth edition of the NewSpace Africa Conference from 19th to 23rd April 2027 in Dakar, Senegal, to be hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) of Senegal

Following five successful editions across Africa, the NewSpace Africa Conference has established itself as a leading platform for dialogue, collaboration, and business development within Africa’s space ecosystem. The conference brings together the continent's most senior space stakeholders, including representatives from national space agencies, regulatory bodies, government institutions, policymakers, commercial space companies, academia, investors, international partners, researchers, and emerging innovators, to discuss the policies, technologies, and opportunities shaping the industry's future.

The conference theme, Building, Financing and Delivering Africa’s Space Infrastructure, reflects a sector moving from ambition to implementation. Across the continent, governments are establishing space institutions, developing satellite capabilities and identifying the infrastructure needed to support applications in Earth observation, communications, navigation, climate monitoring and other priority sectors. The next challenge is to turn these ambitions into sustainable infrastructure that can be financed, delivered and used effectively.

The 2027 conference will examine the systems, capital and partnerships required to make this possible. Discussions will explore how governments, industry, investors, development institutions and international partners can work together to build and finance space infrastructure, develop viable commercial models, strengthen local capabilities and ensure that investments translate into services and applications that address Africa’s development priorities. The theme will also place greater focus on the practical challenges of delivering infrastructure, from satellite and ground systems to data platforms, connectivity and the supporting institutional and regulatory frameworks.

The 2027 edition in Dakar will build on the momentum of previous editions, continuing conversations around space commercialisation, investment, innovation, capacity development, and international cooperation. Over the years, the conference has become a meeting point for Africa’s space leadership, with participation from national space programmes and institutions across the continent. Through high-level discussions, partnership opportunities, startup initiatives, and talent development programmes, the conference continues to support the growth of a more connected and competitive African space ecosystem. Participants from across the space value chain, including satellite manufacturing, satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation, and emerging NewSpace ventures, will gather to exchange insights, shape policy discussions, explore business opportunities, and advance collaboration to support the sustainable growth of Africa’s space ecosystem.

According to H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency, “Dakar 2027 will build on the progress of the NewSpace Africa Conference to bring Africa’s space community together around new opportunities for cooperation, investment and innovation. As Africa’s space ecosystem continues to grow, platforms that connect governments, industry, investors and international partners will be essential to turning our ambitions into tangible outcomes.”

Senegal's role as the 2027 host reflects the country's rapidly expanding role in the African and global space economy. In 2024, Senegal launched Gaindesat-1A, its first nanosatellite, designed to support agricultural planning and environmental monitoring. In July 2025, the country signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the fourth African nation to commit to responsible and transparent space exploration. In 2023, Dakar hosted the inaugural AU-EU Space Dialogue, the first high-level space cooperation forum between the African Union and the European Union, establishing the country’s commitment to consequential multilateral space diplomacy.

The four-day conference will provide a platform for agenda-setting discussions on policies, research, market trends, emerging technologies, and the future direction of the African space and satellite industry. The programme will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, interactive engagements, business pitches, matchmaking opportunities across B2B, B2C, and B2G channels, side events, and exhibitions. Through these engagements, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships between African and international stakeholders, support investment opportunities, highlight innovations emerging from the continent, and create pathways for the continued development of Africa’s NewSpace ecosystem.

Previous editions of the NewSpace Africa Conference have brought together more than 2,300 participants from 792 organisations across 98 countries. Read the NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report here for more details. Early-bird registration is open until 30 November 2026, while regular registration closes on 31 March 2027. Visit here to register. In addition, to view our sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, click here. For more information on the conference, kindly visit the conference website here or email info@spaceinafrica.com.