"Drawing from Above" gathers interviews and articles that highlight how space technology can transform key sectors on the continent, and offers detailed case studies and analysis, presenting both a state of play and ways forward, to use the space industry for Africa's successful future. The aim is to rethink development strategies, encourage innovation and foster greater collaboration, so that together we can build a flourishing future for the continent.

Download "Drawing from Above"** https://mag.jmafrique.org/publication/drawing-from-above-

Space is not just an industry, but a means to many ends.
Africa's booming space industry is set to reach $22 billion by 2026. In 2022, African countries such as Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa allocated a total of $539 million to their respective space programs.

These investments testify to the continent's growing commitment to space conquest and the use of space technologies to support sustainable development and meet the region's specific challenges.

These developments show that the space industry in Africa is not only growing in terms of investment and technological capabilities, but is also becoming a key factor in sustainable development, innovation and cooperation on the continent.

Its role goes beyond simply observing the Earth, and is now extended to uses that directly support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including "eradicating poverty" (SDG1), "clean water and sanitation" (SDG6) and "industry, innovation and infrastructure" (SDG9). This industry provides invaluable data for improving resource management and boosting growth sectors on the continent. This observational capacity can be used to optimize agricultural production, promote sustainable fishing and assess renewable energy potential, contributing directly to improving food security and reducing poverty. Furthermore, with over 40% of Africa's population living below the poverty line and high unemployment, especially among young people, the space industry can offer employment opportunities in a number of fields, such as agro-industry, energy...

As a matter of fact, the agro-industry, Africa's economic mainstay, faces significant challenges, notably a $4 billion annual waste of agricultural products and a marked dependence on imports; issues exacerbated by rapid population growth. In this context, the space industry stands out as a major asset, offering innovative approaches such as precision agriculture or intelligent irrigation systems to meet these challenges and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition, the blue economy, which contributes 1.4% to Africa's GDP, faces major challenges, including overfishing, illegal fishing, and various environmental and security threats that hinder its development potential on the continent. Faced with these challenges, Africa's maritime sector is benefiting from innovations in the space industry, such as the use of satellite technologies for increased surveillance of maritime zones and protection of marine ecosystems. These initiatives are designed to encourage sustainable exploitation of maritime resources, improve regulation of fishing activities, adapt to climate change, and promote international cooperation, thus aligning the maritime sector with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ultimately, to fully exploit its potential, an approach that includes strengthening space infrastructure, investment in education and specialized training in space technology, and targeted funding from the private sector is required. Expanding connectivity via satellite communications technologies is fundamental to bridging the digital divide, facilitating greater access to essential services such as education and healthcare, particularly in remote regions.

About Je m'engage pour l'Afrique :
Je m'engage pour l'Afrique (JMA) is a non-political association set up to encourage project leaders - citizens, community leaders and entrepreneurs - to share their experience and worldview, and to participate in the design of ambitious public policies adapted to local realities.
JMA acts on three levels. It offers training in public policy, citizen participation and international development. It provides a forum for reflection and debate, enabling the emergence of new ideas likely to inspire public policy, and feeding into numerous publications. JMA shares these new ideas and introduces upcoming experts who are more The core of JMA's work is the development of the African continent, relations between Europe and Africa, the EuroMed zone, the emergence of the Global South, cities and public authorities, and sustainable development.

JMA was founded in 2021 by Ileana Santos and Amina Zakhnouf, both selected by Forbes magazine in its 2022 ranking of the 30 Africans under 30. The association gathers a wide network of committed citizens, experts and partners.