China and Africa are reaching new heights together through their dynamic space cooperation, bringing advanced technology and innovative solutions to various sectors across the continent. A standout achievement is Egypt's MISRSAT-2 satellite, launched from China in December 2023. Orbiting over 600 kilometers above Earth, MISRSAT-2 provides essential services such as resource surveys, environmental disaster monitoring, urban planning, and agricultural assessments, significantly benefiting North Africa.
As the first African country with a complete satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) capability, Egypt's collaboration with China underscores the success of China-Africa space partnerships. This cooperation has paved the way for advancements in satellite exports, resource sharing, space technology exchange, and infrastructure development within the African space industry.
China has a strong track record of supporting African nations through space technology. Notable projects include communication satellites for Nigeria, Algeria, and Ethiopia, as well as scientific experimental satellites for Sudan. The launch of MISRSAT-2 for Egypt is the latest in a series of successful missions that highlight the robust partnership between China and Africa.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024) emphasizes the establishment of a China-Africa space cooperation sub-forum. This initiative focuses on supporting satellite remote sensing and communication projects to drive the growth of Africa's space industry.
Beyond satellite launches, space technology is enriching lives on the ground. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), developed by China, is widely used in Africa for agriculture, urban planning, infrastructure construction, and traffic services. In Mozambique’s Xai-Xai city, BDS-powered drones are revolutionizing farming by enabling precise and efficient pesticide spraying, enhancing food security.
In Burkina Faso, BDS technology has expedited the construction of hospitals, reducing survey and mapping times by over half and ensuring timely responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These examples demonstrate how space technology is directly contributing to economic development and public welfare in Africa.
China is also committed to empowering local talent through training and education. In August, 36 young professionals from countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Rwanda participated in a training session in China, gaining valuable skills in ICT, satellite internet, quality management, and systems engineering. Such initiatives are building a strong foundation for the future of Africa's space endeavors.
Educational outreach is another pillar of the cooperation. Programs like the \"Talk with Taikonauts\" live classes connect African youth with Chinese space missions, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Scholarships awarded by China to students from various African nations further enhance expertise in remote sensing, satellite communication, and space technology.
As China and Africa continue to collaborate in space, the partnership is set to drive innovation, enhance technological capabilities, and promote sustainable development across the continent. This enduring cooperation not only advances the space industries of both regions but also contributes to the overall progress and prosperity of African nations.
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China-Africa space cooperation benefits people across continent
cgtn.com
