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Africa’s Premier Space Conference Heads to Libreville
The 2026 NewSpace Africa Conference will be hosted in Libreville, Gabon, from April 20 to 23, 2026. Event will bring together the continent’s leading innovators, policymakers, and space industry stakeholders.
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The event is being organized by Space in Africa, in collaboration with the African Space Agency and the Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observations Spatiales (AGEOS). It is holding under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Gabon and the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation (MENDI).
Themed “Inclusive Growth: Expanding Space Benefits to All Africans,” the 2026 edition will focus on how space technologies can promote equitable socio-economic development. This is in addition to ensuring that the benefits of Africa’s space sector reach every community — from cities to rural regions.
Reimagining Space as a Tool for Sustainable Development
The conference will explore how space-enabled solutions can address Africa’s most pressing challenges — including food security, climate change, connectivity, education, healthcare, disaster resilience, and the blue economy.
Organizers say the theme seeks to reposition Africa’s space industry not merely as a hub for science and innovation but as a strategic enabler of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
“Space must be seen as a driver of sustainable development, not a luxury,” said H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency. “This conference provides an opportunity to align our collective vision for Africa’s space sector as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration.”
Showcasing Africa’s Space Innovation and Partnerships
The NewSpace Africa Conference 2026 will bring together representatives from government agencies, national space organizations, academia, private companies, and international partners.
Participants from satellite manufacturing, Earth observation, navigation, and satellite connectivity sectors will collaborate on shaping policies, business models, and strategies for Africa’s NewSpace ecosystem.
Dr. Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, Director-General of AGEOS, described hosting the 2026 edition as “a major milestone for Gabon and the African space community,” adding that it would foster collaboration, attract investment, and highlight how African nations are leveraging space technologies to solve critical developmental challenges.
Driving Innovation, Investment, and Collaboration
The event will feature keynotes, panel discussions, business pitches, matchmaking sessions (B2B, B2C, B2G), and exhibitions showcasing African and global capabilities in space science, technology, and applications.
As Africa’s leading space business event, the conference will aim to:
- Reinforce Africa’s leadership in the global space industry.
- Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and new market opportunities.
- Support startups and entrepreneurs developing space-based solutions.
- Shape strategies for the sustainable growth of the African space ecosystem.
Building on past editions held in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Egypt, which attracted over 1,700 participants from 65 countries, the Libreville edition will deepen Africa’s global engagement and demonstrate how space can empower inclusive growth.
Early-bird registration is open until November 30, 2025, and Regular registration is open until March 31st, 2026. Visit here to register. In addition, to view our sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, click here. For more information on the conference, kindly visit here or email [email protected].
