The United States is using the first Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) in Abidjan to promote commercial opportunities for U.S. companies in Africa’s growing space industry, as governments and private-sector players seek to expand cooperation in satellite technology, communications and other space-related services.
The three-day expo opened on Sept. 24 at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, with the United States as the guest country of honor. The event brought together representatives of the African Union, governments, space agencies, companies, researchers and technology innovators from Africa and abroad.
The U.S. delegation included officials and experts from the U.S. Mission to the African Union, the Department of Commerce and the Department of State. The U.S. pavilion highlighted American expertise and opportunities for commercial partnerships with African space-sector actors.
The U.S. Office of Space Commerce had invited American companies and organizations to participate in a U.S.-Africa Space Industry Roundtable held during ASPEX. The initiative was designed to connect U.S. industry with African partners and explore opportunities for commercial cooperation.
The expo itself was structured around business and investment activities, including B2B and B2G meetings, investor sessions, project presentations and discussions between companies and institutions. The program also included sessions aimed at initiating projects and partnerships.
For Washington, the event comes as African countries increase their investment in space capabilities and seek applications for space technology in areas including communications, Earth observation, navigation and other economic activities.
Côte d’Ivoire has been expanding its own space capabilities. The country established its national space agency in 2025, with responsibilities covering Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation and communications. Côte d’Ivoire has also cooperated with NASA since 2019 on Earth observation and geodesy.
During ASPEX, Côte d’Ivoire also signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 75th signatory to the framework for peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. The agreement was signed by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Adama Diawara, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Junaid Munir witnessing the ceremony.
ASPEX was jointly initiated by the African Union and the government of Côte d’Ivoire and implemented through the African Space Agency and the Côte d’Ivoire Space Agency. The event ran from Sept. 24 to 26 in Abidjan.
Beyond government-to-government cooperation, the expo placed a strong emphasis on the commercial side of Africa’s space sector, providing a platform for companies and investors to discuss projects, technology partnerships and potential business opportunities.
For African countries seeking to build domestic space capabilities, such partnerships could provide access to technologies and expertise while creating opportunities for local companies to participate in an expanding space economy.