Angola Ranks Among Africa’s Top 5 Space Powers

Recognition at NewSpace Africa 2026

During the opening of the NewSpace Africa 2026 conference in Libreville, Gabon, Angola’s space sector received significant continental recognition. According to the “African Space Industry – Market Analysis 2026” report by Space in Africa, Angola now ranks among the top five space economies on the continent, alongside South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Nigeria.

Temidayo Oniosun, Executive Director of Space in Africa, and Tidiane Ouattara, Chairman of the African Space Agency (AfSA) Council, both praised the country’s rapid transformation, driven by the strategic vision of the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Media (MINTTICS).

A Program Built “From Scratch”

The Director-General of the National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), Zolana João, highlighted that Angola built its space expertise without prior infrastructure. Today, the country does not simply own satellites but provides concrete services with both national and regional impact, particularly in:

• Connectivity: Enhancing communication networks in remote and underserved areas.
• Earth Observation: Utilizing satellite data for agriculture, environmental management, and natural resource monitoring.
• Commercial Economy: Developing business opportunities for private sector companies interested in the Angolan market.

Honoring Angolan Youth Excellence

Angolan innovation was further celebrated through Luciano Costa Dembue Lupedia, Coordinator of the Geodata Center (GEDAE), who received the Young African Space Professionals Award 2026.

This merit-based award, a joint initiative of the African Union and Space in Africa, recognizes young talents whose work is measurably influencing the development of the continent’s space sector. This honor confirms that Angola’s investment extends beyond hardware to the cultivation of high-level technological human capital.

From Luanda to Libreville: Strategic Continuity

Angola’s leadership in this field is well-established. In 2024, Luanda hosted the third edition of this conference, bringing together over 400 delegates from 46 countries. In 2026, the Angolan delegation in Libreville continues to build on this success by engaging in strategic meetings with international investors, solidifying its role as a hub for technological innovation in Southern Africa.

“We are striving; we must be capable; we must innovate. That is why we highlight the example of Angola, which is making significant progress… Those who have been in the space arena for over twenty years can clearly see this.” — Tidiane Ouattara, Chairman of the AfSA Council.