How Africa’s youth can play an active role in the space industry

Over the weekend, the NASA-led Space Apps Challenge in Kigali announced two winners that are set to represent Rwanda in the global NASA Space Apps competition. Bwiza Charlotte, Co-Lead of NASA Space Apps Kigali, shared insights on the innovative projects and the future of the space industry in Africa. The event marked the first space apps challenge in Kigali and witnessed enthusiastic participation from individuals eager to explore opportunities in the space sector. The winning projects, Echie Focust and Pladwiz, showcased creative solutions addressing critical issues in Rwanda. Echie Focust, a platform that predicts and alerts individuals about heavy rains, caters to farmers, construction workers, and residents in slums, enabling them to prepare for adverse weather conditions. On the other hand, Pladwiz presented a data visualization map highlighting areas most affected by floods in Rwanda, aiding the government in disaster management and relocation efforts. The projects stood out for their impactful presentations, relevance, scientific validity, and innovation. Charlotte emphasized the significance of young people's involvement in the space industry, stressing that individuals as young as 18 or 19 contributed valuable ideas. Notably, Kigali hosted the only Space Apps Challenge in East Africa, showcasing the region's potential for space innovation. The selection of Rwanda's representatives for the global competition underscores the country's ability to compete globally despite its size. Discussing the future of space exploration in Africa, Charlotte highlighted the numerous opportunities available, particularly in utilizing satellite imagery for agriculture. By leveraging technology, such as satellite data to analyze soil texture for optimal farming practices, African countries can enhance agricultural productivity, a critical sector for economic development. The focus on using space technology for agriculture and hazard detection signals a promising future for Africa's space industry. Moreover, Charlotte emphasized the inclusivity of the space industry, noting that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including artists, data scientists, and software developers, can contribute to space innovation. The broad spectrum of possibilities within the industry encourages more young people to explore space-related fields beyond traditional STEM disciplines. While perceptions of the space industry may intimidate some due to its association with physics and mathematics, Charlotte advocated for increased awareness and exposure to showcase that space innovation is not limited to technical expertise. Promoting events like the Space Apps Challenge allows individuals to realize their potential contributions, whether through coding, art, or storytelling, emphasizing that anyone can participate and make a meaningful impact. In terms of government support for space initiatives, Charlotte acknowledged Rwanda's progress, citing the launch of RASAT1, a satellite dedicated to agricultural data collection. The government's investment in space technology, including the presence of the Permanent Secretary at the event, demonstrates a commitment to fostering space innovation and empowering youth in the industry. Charlotte expressed optimism for the future, anticipating further advancements and collaborations to drive Africa's space industry forward. As Africa's youth continue to engage with the space industry, initiatives like the Space Apps Challenge play a pivotal role in nurturing innovation and talent within the region. By empowering young individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to space exploration, Africa is poised to make significant strides in leveraging space technology for socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability.