Africa Subcommittee (AF-SC) (2024-2027)

SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

Our mission

Empowering Africa's Emerging Space Ecosystems Globally!

Part of the IAF Administrative Committee on Connecting Emerging Space ecoSystems (IAF-ACCESS), the African subcommittee integrates the African space ecosystem into the international space community, ensuring that emerging space nations across the continent have the support, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive on the world stage.

“Supporting and developing emerging space ecosystems, making space and space-based systems accessible to all.” - John Paffet, KISPE

Objective/Scope of the subcommittee

The IAF ACCESS Africa Subcommittee connects emerging African space nations with international initiatives while strengthening the African space ecosystem. The committee leverages the IAF global network to support African institutions, promote collaboration, and encourage knowledge sharing among space actors across the continent and beyond.

Purpose and Impact

The IAF ACCESS Africa Subcommittee aims to strengthen Africa’s role in the global space community by promoting collaboration, inclusion, and capacity development across the continent. As Africa’s space sector continues to grow, the committee helps ensure that African institutions, researchers, and young professionals are connected to international networks, opportunities, and expertise. By facilitating access to the IAF ecosystem, the committee supports the development of sustainable space capabilities in Africa and encourages meaningful participation in global space initiatives.

Ecosystem Development

The committee works to bridge African space stakeholders with global opportunities by supporting institutions, fostering expert networks, and encouraging partnerships within Africa and internationally.

Training and Leadership Development

Capacity building is a key priority. The committee contributes to several initiatives that support the next generation of space professionals, including the IAF Envoy Initiative, the Emerging Space Leaders Award, the Young Space Leaders Recognition Programme, and the IAF Launchpad Mentorship Programme for students and young professionals.

African Participation in IAF Activities

The committee promotes stronger participation of African institutions in IAF activities by encouraging IAF membership, conference participation, and paper submissions. It also supports initiatives such as the IAF/UN Conference, participation in the Global Space Conference on Climate Change (GLOC), and the IAF ACCESS Booth at the International Astronautical Congress to increase visibility and engagement.