The Africa Space Expo 2026, also known as ASPEX 2026, has been officially launched in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s role in the global space industry.
The event is scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 September 2026. It is expected to bring together government officials, policymakers, scientists, researchers, investors, and private sector players from across Africa and beyond.
Organisers said the expo will provide a major platform for African countries to work together on space development. They said it will also help build stronger links between governments, businesses, research bodies, and development partners.
ASPEX 2026 comes at a time when Africa’s space sector is gaining more attention. Several countries on the continent have launched satellites, created space agencies, and invested in space science and technology. These efforts are helping Africa use space tools to solve real problems on the ground.
The expo will focus on how space technology can support development in areas such as climate monitoring, disaster response, land management, agriculture, economic planning, and security. Stakeholders are expected to discuss how satellite data and other space-based solutions can improve decision-making and support sustainable growth.
Organisers also see ASPEX 2026 as a chance to attract more investment into Africa’s growing space economy. They said the event will support innovation, skills development, and stronger cooperation between countries.
The launch in Abidjan signals a wider ambition to make Africa more competitive in the international space sector. It also highlights the need for African countries to work more closely together as they build their own space capabilities.
By bringing key players into one space, ASPEX 2026 is expected to help shape the future of Africa’s space industry and show how space technology can improve everyday life across the continent.