16 May 2024

Talking about space and Africa, Zambia stands out because of an incredible story. As early as 1964, a Zambian teacher named Edward Nkoloso famously vowed to help his country to beat America to become the first country to put a man on the moon, and then go to Mars.

Despite his passion to launch a rocket that would send 12 astronauts, a space girl and cats to the moon, Nkoloso’s dream never came to fruition. Through his Zambian Space Academy, Nkoloso’s team of Zambian astronauts, whom he called “Afronauts,” underwent strenuous training, but it all came to nought because the United Nations wouldn’t give him the $700 million he needed to fund the space programme.

Sixty years later, Zambia’s space dream is still alive. While announcing the creation of a 20-member technical steering committee tasked to develop the National Space Science Programme of Zambia, Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati said, “The goal for the next development plan is that Zambia must launch a satellite with which we will be able to address our challenges in agriculture, land use, health and energy, among others, which will put the country at a different pace. For everything that we do, launching a satellite becomes the overarching goal.”  

“I expect nothing but hard work from the committee in order for us as a country to meet our targets, as this is a very important agenda by the government towards fostering science, technology and innovation development in the country,” Mutati stated, adding that it was imperative for the country to have its own satellite because the current situation where the country borrows satellites was limiting access to data.  

ICT experts say it’s high time for Zambia to secure its own satellite that will boost the country’s telecommunications, and enhance technology for weather mapping and remote sensing. This will strengthen national sovereignty in all facets of communications and ensure sustainable development through the establishment of an efficient and secure communication network. 

In line with the resolutions adopted at the COP26 on climate change mitigation, it is certainly in the interest of the nation that climate change is dealt with and having a satellite is the most crucial component of that. “Having a satellite will go a long way in obtaining timely data to assist decision-making. This would be backed by the development of a science policy,” said Stephen Simukanga, director general of the Higher Education Authority in Zambia. 

Local environmentalist Kagosi Mwamulowe also believes that it’s high time for Zambia to step up to that level of technology to deal with climate change. 

“Having our own satellite will help to access precise data to enhance smart agricultural practices through real-time weather updates, and to improve our environment. Since we are using borrowed technology, anything can happen that will limit our access to data from other satellites,” Mwamulowe told ChinAfrica.  

China-Africa cooperation 

Space cooperation with Africa is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is supporting rapid infrastructure construction in developing countries. China is collaborating with African countries to craft workable space programmes in a bid to advance their developmental agendas. “We have seen fruitful results of satellite launches, space infrastructure, as well as sharing of satellite resources. African people are determined to explore the space; hence, we have also provided high-quality training for African researchers,” Hu Changchun, head of Chinese mission to the African Union, said recently. Climate change, environmental monitoring and disaster management are the major areas of China-Africa space collaboration.  

According to the 2023 African Space Industry Annual Report, the African space economy is projected to grow by 16.16 percent to $22.64 billion by 2026. With a remarkable spurt in the African space economy in 2022, the industry is on track to reach this target. However, space analysts say that as of 2022, only 13 African countries have satellites.  

Satellite communication is essential to bridge the connectivity gap on the continent. China launched Nigeria’s first communications satellite in 2007, and launched Nigeria’s second one in 2011. China also launched Algeria’s first communication satellite in 2017. In 2018, Tunisia became the site of the first ground receiving station outside of China for its BeiDou Satellite Navigation System. China has also helped Ethiopia and Sudan to launch their first satellites in 2019. 

Andrew Kaniki, a Lusaka-based space enthusiast, is of the view that with China’s advanced know-how in space technology, it is ideal for Zambia to partner with China to establish its own state-of-the-art satellite, and help the government to deliver quality education, communication and health services in real time, even to the most remote parts of the country thanks to the satellite coverage.  

 

Space Exploration Helps Sustainable Development 

Space science, technology and data can directly or indirectly contribute to the realisation of every aspect of sustainable development.  

Space applications such as Earth observation and geolocation play important roles in supporting development. Space-based services and technologies help people to grasp climate change, and manage disasters. Technologies like weather forecasting, remote sensing, global positioning systems, satellite television and communications systems, as well as wider scientific fields such as astronomy and Earth sciences all rely on space science and technology, and provide valuable information for policy decisions. Countries around the world, rich and poor alike, benefit from these applications, according to information available on a United Nations agency website.  

Research in space technologies can have spillover effects in other areas: space technologies designed for space operations can be redesigned for applications on Earth, while investing in space research and education can contribute to bringing scientific knowledge to more people, as well as creating new opportunities for innovation and infrastructure, according to experts cited on the website.  

Space technologies are crucial for achieving sustainable development in Africa, and are directly linked to the aspirations of AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation over the next 50 years. 

Turning Dreams Into Reality
China is committed to helping African countries to build their space capability
By Xia Yuanyuan

16 May 2024

An important feature of China developing its aerospace industry is its insistence on self-reliance and independent innovation, because China firmly believes that aerospace is a hi-tech industry and high core technologies cannot be bought. Only by mastering core technologies can China firmly grasp the initiative in development. 

Talent and infrastructure are bottlenecks that have long restricted Africa’s development. To help to improve African countries’ independent capabilities in space, China attaches great importance to providing intellectual support for African scientific researchers in satellite design, manufacturing, launch, control and other aspects under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, cultivating and training a group of local African aerospace talents, and providing opportunities for the independent development of African aerospace technology.  

Since 2014, the Chinese government has offered scholarships to students from Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Togo, Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan and other African countries for postgraduate studies in the fields of remote sensing and geographic information systems, satellite communication and satellite navigation, and small satellite technology. In addition, China has also carried out scientific and technological innovation cooperation and exchange activities in the aerospace field with universities and scientific research institutions in many African countries. 

Capacity building 

After studying satellite image analysis for urban heat island mapping at the University of Rwanda for bachelor’s degree, Boaz Mwubahimana, a 28-year-old Rwandan, applied for Chinese government scholarship in March 2022 for postgraduate study in China. After obtaining the scholarship, Mwubahimana arrived in China last year to pursue a master’s degree in photogrammetry and remote sensing at the State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University in central China’s Hubei Province. 

“I was fortunate to be here and be involved in a Chinese state key laboratory. I have learned a lot,” Mwubahimana told ChinAfrica. 

In China, he had a chance to study global navigation satellite system, and did research on BeiDou technologies, especially navigation systems. “I have also been trained on application of BeiDou satellite technology in countries joining the Belt and Road Initiative.” 

“China has made tremendous innovation in aerospace, especially when it comes to navigation, and now BeiDou’s high-precision location-based services have almost surpassed other global navigation systems such as GPS of the US, GLONASS of Russia and Galileo of Europe,” he told ChinAfrica. 

Mwubahimana wants to continue his study in China for a Ph.D, and then go back to Rwanda. “I specialise in data analysis, and I wish to contribute to urban and ecology management after I go back to Rwanda,” he said. 

Building future  

Besides Wuhan University, the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China), located at Beihang University in Beijing, actively carries out education and training projects in aerospace-related fields in Africa. Since 2014, it has used Chinese government scholarships to fully support over 30 African postgraduate students in majors such as remote sensing and geographic information systems, satellite communication and navigation, and satellite technology. The centre has held 24 short-term training courses for African students.  

The Belt and Road Aerospace Innovation Alliance, launched in April 2017 by the Northwest Polytechnical University of China and the Chinese Society of Astronautics, is a joint effort inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative and intended to serve as a platform for talent development, teaching and knowledge transfer in the aerospace field. Six universities and scientific research institutions from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia, Cameroon and other countries have joined the alliance to promote scientific and technological innovation cooperation and exchange in the aerospace field.  

The alliance held the first Winter Camp - 2019 Light of Egypt, on 21-31 January 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. More than 100 teachers and students from 15 universities in five African countries explored the mysteries of space science and technology by participating in various lectures. In 2020, the alliance established the African Regional Development Centre in Egypt, which will expand its regional cooperation and exchange network in Africa, driving more universities and research institutions in Africa to participate in cooperation. 

Independent development 

The Entoto Space Observatory Facility sits at an altitude of 3,200 metres on the hill of Entoto, about 20 km north of Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. In the command and control centre, technicians are recording the data sent back by Ethiopia’s first satellite - ETRSS-1 - in real time. 

In December 2019, the East African country launched its first-ever satellite into space from China. The ground station of the 72-kg multispectral remote sensing satellite is located in the Entoto Space Observatory Facility. 

The remote sensing satellite is expected to monitor the environment and weather patterns for better agricultural planning, early warning for drought, mining activities and forestry management of the country. 

Yilkal Eshete, project manager with Satellite and Ground Systems Development of the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, still remembers working with Chinese partners. 

“During the satellite development process, more than 20 Ethiopian engineers and scientists received training in satellite technology, ground applications, and satellite manoeuvring from China,” Eshete told ChinAfrica. After the satellite was launched and entered into orbit, Ethiopian engineers could independently run ground operations and application systems. 

China Telemetry, Tracking and Command Station was built and put into operation in Swakopmund, Namibia about 20 years ago and has since linked China and Namibia through space. Many Namibian space technology technicians have benefitted from the station’s training programmes. An agreement to train Namibian personnel in Beijing was inked in 2002 between China and Namibia. China completed three cycles of technical training, including professional theoretical knowledge, aeronautical technical knowledge, and operation skills, in that order, between 2004 and 2011. 

“After many batches of training, Namibian technicians have been able to independently complete the tracking tasks and form a talent echelon,” the leader of the first Namibian technical team said during an interview. He has received in-station training since 2004 and passed the postgraduate examination under the guidance of Chinese staff. Later, he became the director of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. 

“Namibia and China have carried out space cooperation for more than 20 years. With the help of China, more and more Namibian engineers have become the backbone of Namibia’s aerospace field,” Alfred van Kent, executive director at the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation of Namibia, said in an interview with Global Times. 

According to Eugene Avenant, chief engineer with the South African National Space Agency Space Operations Division, China has not only assisted African countries in the construction and launch of satellites on many occasions, but also fully supported them to foster the capability to independently develop the space sector. Offering high-quality training for African researchers in design, manufacturing, launch and control of satellites, China has nurtured a batch of space talents for African countries. 

Towering Aspirations
China attaches special importance to young people in its space cooperation with Africa
By Li Xiaoyu

 

16 May 2024

Prosper Oshomame, a 20-year-old Nigerian artist, is closer than ever to fulfilling his childhood dream of exploring space. His painting Shared Aspirations travelled to space with the Shenzhou-16 mission, which ran from May to October 2023. 

The artwork from the young Nigerian depicts an astronaut in a circle formed by the Chinese and Nigerian national flags and surrounded by stars, illustrating China-Africa collaboration based on a common goal. His painting, which gives an artistic expression to space exploration, was one of the 10 most awarded works in the My Dream Painting Competition for African Youth in 2023, and was exhibited at the China’s Tiangong space station. 

In total, more than 2,000 young Africans like Oshomame took part in the competition, which was organised in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and several Chinese embassies in Africa. 

This activity is part of a series of initiatives to promote China-Africa exchanges and cooperation in the field of space exploration, which plays a key role in bringing people on both sides, especially young people, closer. 

Sowing the seeds of friendship 

China is not the only technological and industrial power in the world, but why has it taken the initiative to promote the “African dream” in space? The reason probably lies in China’s unique approach to space exploration. At a press conference before his fourth journey into space, Jing Haipeng, commander of Shenzhou-16, stated that exploring the immensity of the universe is the common cause and dream of all mankind, regardless of race, age or origin. The Chinese astronauts, who are commonly referred to as taikonauts, are ready to contribute to the building of a better future together with all those who strive for peace. “We will sow the seeds of science, friendship and dreams in the Chinese space station to take root, germinate, blossom and bear fruit,” he added. 

The Nigerian winner was deeply moved by Jing’s remarks. “Mankind has always had the desire to explore the universe, and young Africans are of no exception. China has made tremendous progress in space exploration. The pioneering spirit of the Chinese taikonauts encourages young Africans to pursue their dream of space,” Oshomame said, explaining the idea and inspiration behind his work. 

Hailing from a humble background, the young man sees art as a way of telling stories and making impossible dreams come true. In times of difficulty, Oshomame said he managed to turn his precarious living conditions into a sanctuary of inspiration, and his works reflect the resilience and determination to overcome adversity, like the astronauts who persevere in their quest for space. 

This sentiment was echoed by Rawda Ahmed Ali Al-Shawadfy, an Egyptian winner. Her painting China Is Africa’s Hope Towards Space depicts a handshake between a Chinese astronaut and an African astronaut on the moon, symbolising the deep cooperation between Africa and China. “China’s achievements in scientific and technological development are admirable, and I hope that African countries and China will work in synergy in the field of space exploration and make progress together,” said the first-year student in the Chinese Department at Suez Canal University. 

Exciting journey 

The painting exhibition helps to give young Africans a voice. Through their colourful and vibrant works, the participants reveal their personal dreams, ranging from a call for peace to education for all and harmony in diversity, and highlight their interest in knowledge, science, philosophy, travel and reflection. 

China continues to put young people at the heart of its space cooperation with Africa. At another major event Tiangong Dialogue - Talk with Taikonauts held in September 2022, young African people were in the spotlight as they had the chance to talk directly with crew members Shenzhou-14, benefitting from the fruits and development opportunities shared between China and Africa. 

Organised by the Chinese Mission to the AU, the CMSA and the AU Commission, the event provided a unique opportunity for young space enthusiasts from eight African countries to gain first-hand experience in space science and exploration. 

This meeting rekindled the ambitions of many young Africans with a passion for space exploration, such as Abdi Kumsa, an Ethiopian student. The launch of the ETRSS-1 satellite by Ethiopia in partnership with China in 2019 bolstered his hopes of realising his space ambitions. He said the event brought him closer to his dream of becoming a future African astronaut. 

This is not the first instance of taikonauts engaging with young Africans. During their visit to Namibia in 2019, taikonauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang interacted with local high school and university students. “Although this is my first visit to Namibia, I have flown over the country more than 200 times on the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft. When I came here to meet you, I felt like I was reuniting with old friends,” recalled Liu, the first Chinese woman taikonaut in space. 

“Young people are the future and hope of a country, and the driving force behind Sino-African cooperation,” said Wu Peng, director general of the Department of African Affairs of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the painting competition’s awarding ceremony last September. “Your aspirations for a better life and your commitment to the development of China-Africa relations are the source of motivation for perpetuating and strengthening the traditional friendship between China and Africa.” 

Commander Jing echoed this sentiment, stating that the African dream is just the beginning for space exploration. He added that future China-Africa space cooperation will be an exciting journey. “If the younger generations are equipped with ideals and commitment, the country will have a bright future, the nation will have hope, and the China-Africa friendship will be promising.”