Evolutionary African Space Governance through Regional Economic Communities

Paper number

IAC-24,E7,7,3,x85773

Author

Mr. Arnold Agaba, Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University, Canada

Coauthor

Prof. Andrea Harrington, Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University, Canada

Year

2024

Abstract

Interest and investment in space technology has grown across Africa due to potential for space-based products to resolve political, social, and economic challenges. More African countries are engaging in space activities and establishing national space governance bodies. African countries are increasingly collaborating at continental and subcontinental levels and with external international entities to leverage expertise, resources, and technology. While space activities are increasing rapidly, evolution of governance frameworks to guide them is slower in pace, in both institutional and normative dimensions. The African Union (AU) developed the African Space Policy and Strategy and the statute of the African Space Agency to provide an overarching policy/guidance framework for promoting peaceful uses of space, enhancing space cooperation among African countries, and ensuring sustainable development through space technology, but much work remains to create a robust African regulatory environment.

Governance of space activities in Africa is still narrowly based on national space laws, many in nascent stages of development. A subcontinental approach is evolutionary, given African nations are well-coordinated, organised, and integrated through Regional Economic Communities (RECs). RECs have power to bind their member states that is largely absent at the AU level. RECs have legislative, judicial, and executive branch functions, enabling creation of robust space governance mechanisms. Continental-level harmonization remains a longer-term goal.

By establishing subcontinental laws, regulations, and guidelines, African nations can act and speak in concert with likeminded nations facing similar challenges and holding similar priorities. Given diversity of interests and political cultures across the continent, cooperation at this level is more feasible, more beneficial, and can be achieved more quickly than continental-level collaboration. REC-level space legislation can create a conducive environment for sustainable development of space activities, increasing competitiveness in the global space industry, enabling resource sharing, attracting investment, and fostering innovation.

The consolidation of laws and activities is critical because African countries with established space programs have hitherto pursued space activities utilising varying space policies and global outlooks, some focusing on national security while others focus on socioeconomic development. It is therefore essential that ‘Afrocentric’ perspectives and ideals inform continental space laws of Africa. The proposed approach in regulating space activities can serve the crucial roles of safeguarding the interests of African nations, unlocking potential for investment in development of space technology for the continent's use, and creating mutual benefit from joint projects amidst numerous challenges that are more likely to cripple national rather than multinational space activities.

Abstract document

IAC-24,E7,7,3,x85773.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,E7,7,3,x85773.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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