Sharon Kavhu
WINDHOEK, Namibia – The Southern African Service Centre for Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) has officially welcomed the transition of the GMES and Africa Programme to the African Space Agency (AfSA), marking a new chapter in the continent’s drive toward a unified and sustainable space strategy.
The announcement was made by H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council of AfSA, and has been described as a strategic move by the African Union Commission to consolidate space-related programmes under a single continental authority. This transition is expected to foster improved coordination, long-term sustainability, and a stronger African voice in global space and Earth observation initiatives.
“As a proud implementing partner of the GMES and Africa Programme, SASSCAL reaffirms its full commitment to this new phase under AfSA’s leadership,” said Prof. Nelago Indongo, Executive Director of SASSCAL.
Through its regional initiative, the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment System for Transboundary Basins in Southern Africa (WeMAST), SASSCAL has played a pivotal role in using Earth Observation (EO) technologies to enhance the monitoring and management of vital wetland ecosystems. “WeMAST supports evidence-based decision-making in water resources, land use, and environmental governance in Southern Africa. With this transition, SASSCAL looks forward to enhanced collaboration, improved coordination, and greater visibility under the African Space Agency,” Prof. Indongo added.
As the GMES and Africa Programme aligns with AfSA’s institutional framework, all future branding, communications, and stakeholder engagements will reflect the African Space Agency’s official identity.
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SASSCAL expressed its appreciation for the continued support from the GMES and Africa Coordination Team and reiterated its commitment to advancing the objectives of the programme under the stewardship of AfSA.
This transition marks a key milestone in Africa’s efforts to harness space technology for resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development across the continent.
