Côte d’Ivoire has signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 75th country to join the U.S.-led framework for cooperation on the peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Abidjan during the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) 2026. Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Adama Diawara, signed the accords on behalf of the country. The ceremony was witnessed by Junaid Munir, chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Department of State.

The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by NASA, the U.S. Department of State and seven initial signatory countries. They provide a common set of principles for civil space exploration and the use of outer space, while reinforcing existing international space treaties.

Under the accords, signatories commit to conducting space activities for peaceful purposes, increasing transparency, sharing scientific data and providing assistance to astronauts in distress. The framework also addresses the registration of space objects, the preservation of space heritage, the responsible use of space resources, the prevention of harmful interference and the mitigation of orbital debris.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the signing builds on several years of cooperation in space science and technology. Since 2019, Ivorian institutions and NASA have collaborated in Earth observation and geodesy, including work related to global geodetic networks and space-based measurements.

Côte d’Ivoire also established its Space Agency in 2025 to coordinate national activities in areas including Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation and communications.

NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson said the signing expands an existing partnership between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire beyond Earth and creates opportunities for scientists, engineers and institutions from both countries to cooperate as international efforts to return humans to the Moon advance.

The Director General of the Côte d’Ivoire Space Agency, Tidiane Outtara, described the signing as an important achievement for the country's space ambitions and for African cooperation in the sector.

Côte d’Ivoire's accession comes one day after Croatia became the 74th signatory on Sept. 23, highlighting the continued expansion of the Artemis Accords.

The agreement does not itself constitute a commitment to a specific lunar mission. Rather, it establishes principles and a framework through which Côte d’Ivoire can participate in broader international cooperation on civil space exploration and related scientific and technological activities.