ASLI Commends Ethiopia’s Leadership in Continent’s Space Endeavors, Growing Influence

Addis Ababa: The African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESSGI) and the Nigerian embassy, launched a training course in Addis Ababa today aimed at maximizing international space cooperation in Addis Ababa today.Established on October 4, 2022, ASLI is Africa's first space-focused think tank, aimed at addressing gaps in space policy, strategy, and law across the continent.The institute also aims to support Africa's leadership in global space governance, aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions a self-sustaining and globally competitive Africa.The Institute launched today a course under the title 'Maximizing International Space Cooperation.'Speaking at the occasion, ASLI Co-founder, Etim Offiong said the course is designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and leaders with essential skills for engaging in space cooperation, diplomacy, and governance.He added that the key topics will cover include sp ace diplomacy and policy, space law and governance, as well as Africa's role in global space forums.Institutions like the Ethiopian Space Science Society and the ESSGI, Addis Ababa have emerged as a key hub for space research and diplomacy in Africa, he stated.Ethiopia's strategic position as the host country underscores its leadership in African space endeavors and its growing influence in the field of space science, he pointed out, reaffirming ASLI's commitment to positioning Africa as a key player in international space forums by offering knowledge-building opportunities such as the 'maximizing international space cooperation' course.Space Science and Geospatial Institute Director General, Abdulrazak Oumer said the launch of the course represents a significant milestone in enhancing Africa's space capabilities and fostering a network of skilled professionals to lead the continent's space initiatives.It would enable Africa to get benefit from the global space economy which is projected to reach 1.8 trillion US Dollar by 2030, he underscored.Innovation and Technology State Minister, Yeshurun Alemeayehu on his part reiterated Ethiopia's central position within the African Union and other key international organizations makes it a fitting choice for fostering continental cooperation in space activities.He emphasized the need to unleash Africa's potential in space economy for sustainable development of the continent.The state minister also pointed out that Ethiopia is committed to support such types of initiatives and cooperations to foster national and continental socioeconomic and scientific advancements.Source: Ethiopian News Agency