Thanks to local initiatives and newly established international partnerships, Africa has gradually begun to make its presence known in the field of space technology.
One of the most notable examples of this progress is the installation of the Temporary Array Radio Telescope (TART) in Zambia.
With the TART system now operational in Zambia, it is possible to observe near-Earth objects and evolving cosmic events.
This technology had previously been established in Botswana, South Africa, Mauritius, and Kenya. With Zambia joining the list, there are now a total of five TART centers in Africa.
TART: A CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Developed through a partnership with the New Zealand-based Foundation for Research and Technology, this platform also aims to train scientists and engineers in the field of radio astronomy.
The system serves as both an observational tool and a practical training platform, contributing to the development of local expertise.
SATELLITE COLLABORATION WITH CHINA
This is not the only development taking place on the continent. In February 2025, China signed space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries.
These agreements will support satellite launch operations and allow for the establishment of ground stations across the continent.
In the same month, Zimbabwe announced its plan to launch its third satellite, while Ethiopia declared its intention to expand its satellite program.
QUANTUM COMMUNICATION: SOUTH AFRICA–CHINA PARTNERSHIP
In March 2025, China and South Africa announced a partnership to establish the world’s longest quantum communication network.
This collaboration positions the two countries at the forefront of secure data transmission technologies.
AFRICA2MOON: THE CONTINENT’S LUNAR AMBITIONS
Projects like Africa2Moon also show that Africa is considering the Moon as a center for scientific research.
This initiative plans to launch a low-cost lunar radio telescope system.
AFRICA TO HAVE A VOICE ON THE MOON
Finally, five African countries have been selected to join the Russia–China International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
This will allow Africa to become an active participant in lunar exploration and have a say in the development of Moon-based infrastructure.