Speaker
Description
Africa’s rapidly expanding astronomy ecosystem has become a key driver of scientific excellence, technological innovation, and high-impact global partnerships. Yet to fully realise the continent’s potential—and to ensure African institutions play an influential role in shaping the future of global astronomy—there is an urgent need for coherent, forward-looking policy frameworks that empower research communities, strengthen infrastructure, and unlock long-term investment. This session will explore how national, regional, and continental policy environments can be strategically aligned to accelerate Africa’s participation in global astronomy and space science while advancing broader development objectives.
The discussion will examine the essential elements of an enabling policy environment, including: the integration of astronomy into national science, technology, and innovation strategies; sustainable funding mechanisms and capital-market instruments; regulatory frameworks to support radio-quiet zones and protect dark skies; open-data and digital-infrastructure policies; and models for strengthening African participation in international research infrastructures such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), e-VLBI networks, and global sky survey collaborations.
A special focus will be placed on the role of continental policy coordination through AfAS, the African Union, and regional economic communities, including how Africa’s science diplomacy can leverage multilateral processes such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Pact for the Future, and the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to secure long-term investment and deepen scientific cooperation. The session will also highlight the importance of community engagement, astro-tourism, and capacity development as complementary policy priorities that root astronomy in Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
By bringing together policymakers, astronomers, infrastructure leaders, and international partners, this session aims to identify actionable pathways to strengthen Africa’s scientific leadership and ensure that African astronomy contributes fully—and visibly—to global discovery, innovation, and shared human knowledge.
| Stream | Education, Development and Outreach |
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