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Discussion Group

Reflections on EU-Africa Space Relations

Policy Leader Fellows' Talk

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When

05 November 2021

14:00 - 17:00 CET

Where

On Zoom

Online

Organised by

Join the Policy Leader Fellows for an expert panel discussion on EU-Africa Space Relations.

This virtual roundtable provides for reflections on EU-Africa space relations from institutional, policy and programmatic perspectives. It will also suggest recommendations for strengthening EU-Africa space cooperation in the face of current global challenges.

The EU-Africa multilateral collaborations on space issues were redefined in the year 2000 during the First Africa-EU Summit in Cairo. The renewed relationship, with its long-term policy framework, is captured in the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) which was adopted in 2007 during the Second EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon. JAES outlines the shared vision, principles, objectives, mutual priorities, and governance framework for the partnership. The JAES is updated at Africa-EU Summits which alternates between Africa and Europe triennially. Outer Space has always featured in the governance frameworks and action plans, and has resulted in long-term programmes such as GMES and Africa, EGNOS in Africa, and ClimSA. Space data and technology also featured in the comprehensive strategy released by EU in March 2020.

Opening remarks will be given by Kalypso Nicolaidis, Professor at the School of Transnational Governance and Council Member of the European Council of Foreign Relations.

Closing remarks will be given by Mahama Ouedraogo - Director, Department of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (ESTI), AUC.

The event will be moderated by Policy Leader Fellow, Etim Offiong.

First Panel:

  • Jolanda van Eijndthoven, Head of Unit, International Relations and Communication, DG Defence Industry and Space, European Commission
  • Valanathan Munsami, CEO, South African Space Agency (SANSA)
  • Tidiane Ouattara, Space Expert and GMES & Africa Program Coordinator, African Union Commission (AUC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Nicolas Peter, Professor of the Practice in Space Policy and International Affairs, International Space University (ISU)

Second Panel:

  • Adigun Ade Abiodun, Founder, African Space Foundation (ASF)
  • Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Vice-President, Government Affairs - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Planet Labs
  • Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General, Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)
  • Vivianne Meta, Director of Business and Technical Services, LocatelT
  • Kai-Uwe Schrogl, President, International Institute of Space Law (IISL)