Friday, April 30, 2021 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Africa’s growing space program presents new political, economic, and security opportunities and challenges for the United States. The technology transfer process, access to technologies and data, and support for systems development have the potential to increase U.S. political influence vis-à-vis U.S. adversaries; bolster two-way trade and investment; and deepen national security ties between the United States and African partners. Africa’s space industry is projected to grow from $7 billion to over $10 billion in the next five years—presenting a significant opportunity for U.S.-Africa trade, which rested at a mere $33 billion in 2020. Furthermore, U.S. engagement in Africa’s space industry has the potential to translate into African support for U.S. positions on data-sharing, safety coordination, and other international space norms.