Gabon to launch studies for its first satellite
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon plans to initiate studies for its first satellite, as announced by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digitalization on the final day of the NewSpace Africa Conference in Akanda on Thursday, April 23, 2026. This ambition aims to solidify the country's position in the space sector. The conference, which concluded after four days of discussions, positioned Gabon as a significant African space hub during the event. Aline Minko Mi Etoua, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation, highlighted the strategic discussions held in Libreville regarding the future of space in Africa. Three key priorities for Gabon emerged: implementing a national space policy, establishing Libreville as a sub-regional space hub, and launching studies for the first Gabonese satellite. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Agency Council, emphasized the diplomatic and strategic importance of the conference, calling for collective engagement in developing Africa's space sector. He encouraged the diaspora to return and foreign investors to engage more with the continent to build a sustainable space entrepreneurial ecosystem. The sixth edition of the NewSpace Africa Conference will be held in Senegal.
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