Luanda: Angolan Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication M¡rio Oliveira on Wednesday, in France, called for stronger African unity in the space sector in order to achieve the continent's shared goals of autonomy, innovation, and development.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the position was expressed during a meeting with the African Space Agency (AFSA) at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, on the sidelines of the International Space Summit, taking place from 9 to 10 September. The minister emphasized that African unity must be reflected in the space sector, among other areas, otherwise, it will become more difficult to achieve the continent's common objectives.
M¡rio Oliveira underlined the unique importance of African sovereignty in the training of skilled personnel and in recognizing the value of African professionals currently working abroad. He advocated for a stronger and more effective continental response, supported by the space sector and related fields, such as engineering and information technologies, that contribute to its development.
During the meeting, Angola's achievements and progress in the space sector were praised, with particular emphasis on ANGOTIC, a world-class forum capable of promoting dialogue, innovation, and cooperation in the fields of information technology, communications, and space. The parties also discussed the possibility of strengthening cooperation with Senegal, including the potential use of Angola's existing capabilities and technological infrastructure to support coverage of Senegalese territory.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Angolan delegation also held a high-level meeting with officials from Airbus Defence and Space SAS France. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the overall implementation status of the first National Earth Observation Satellite project (ANGEO-1), under the existing partnership between the Angolan State and the European company based in Toulouse, France. The parties also discussed prospects for future cooperation on other projects of mutual interest in the space sector.
Representing Airbus at the meeting were Airbus Defence and Space SAS France President Alain Faur© and Senior Vice-President St©phane Vesval. At the International Space Summit, the Angolan delegation is led by Minister M¡rio Oliveira, who is attending the event on behalf of the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o.
