Impact of EU-funded Projects on Space Science and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa

The collaboration between Europe and Africa in the field of planetary and space sciences and technology (PSST) has significantly contributed to the growth and development of human capital, institutional capacity, and research networks across Sub-Saharan Africa. Here we present the impact of three EU-funded projects, namely the Pan-African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN), Focus on Africa Space Science and Technology (FAST4Future) and the Pan African Network for Planetary Science and Technology (PAP2SN). These projects stem from a successful example of a South-South partnership with collaborations from EU partners. The partners are universities and industries in Botswana, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia.

These projects aim at promoting inclusive and accessible learning pathways, including for people not involved in formal education careers, in order to promote equity, inclusivity and equality in STEM. Starting in 2020, 54 scholarships were awarded by project PAPSSN to students and researchers allowing them to pursue their studies and research collaborations in PSST in Africa. An additional 53 scholarships will be awarded by PAP2SN, starting in the 2026-27 academic year. Students from disadvantaged groups were enabled in their careers and supported by the projects. These projects have enhanced local expertise and also facilitated cross-border collaboration, enabling researchers from Africa to work alongside one-another and with European counterparts on frontier research in astrophysics, planetary science, and space technology. The project FAST4Future, on the other hand, focused on the harmonization of academic curricula across consortium institutions, ensuring that students and researchers in partner countries have access to high-quality training that aligns with global scientific standards. In addition to mobilities to strengthen inter-institutional researcher collaborations and administrative staff capacity, tthis work led to the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Space Science and Technology (CESST) hosting a learning platform that provides accessible high level academic content to a broad African audience. CESST has also sponsored an hands-on nanosat building programme for African researchers and postgraduate students.

We will assess how these projects have contributed to capacity building, institutional strengthening, and infrastructural development, while also addressing challenges linked to inclusivity and diversity in STEM in Africa. By highlighting success stories and key achievements of EU-Africa funded projects, we aim to showcase the transformative potential of international collaboration in shaping the future of astronomy and space science in Africa, ensuring that the region continues to thrive as a hub for inclusive research and innovation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.