In a significant milestone for African space programs, Senegal launched its first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on August 16. This satellite, designed for earth observation and telecommunications, marks Senegal’s step towards “technological sovereignty,” according to President Macky Sall.
The launch is part of a broader movement in Africa, with 17 nations now having sent more than 60 satellites into orbit. Djibouti and Zimbabwe also celebrated their first satellite launches in the past year, signaling growing ambition across the continent.
Kwaku Sumah, founder of Spacehubs Africa, credits falling launch costs for opening the door to smaller nations. While many African countries remain reliant on partnerships with foreign powers for satellite development and launches, local experts emphasize the importance of having their own technology. “It means better control over data that could improve agriculture, weather monitoring, and telecommunications,” says Sumah.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. African nations currently lack their own launch facilities, and foreign governments—particularly the US, China, and Europe—are heavily involved in their space initiatives, raising concerns about geopolitical influence.
Yet, experts like Temidayo Oniosun, managing director of Space in Africa, see a bright future. He estimates that nearly 80 African satellites are currently in development, highlighting the growing role African nations are set to play in space.