Kenya and Nigeria have strengthened their partnership in the space sector following a five-day official visit by Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), and a delegation of senior officials to Abuja. The visit marked a significant step toward expanding collaboration in space science, technology and innovation between the two countries, according to a report by Space in Africa.
The mission commenced with high-level discussions at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where Brig. Kipkosgey was welcomed by NASRDA Director General Dr Matthew Adepoju. The two leaders engaged in strategic talks on areas of mutual interest and toured NASRDA’s key facilities. Their meeting concluded with a commitment to establish a Joint MoU Committee that will create a formal collaboration framework. The agencies also pledged to align exchange and capacity-building programmes in fields such as Earth observation, artificial intelligence, robotics, mapping, forestry and applications of space science to national security and sustainable development. Both sides further agreed to coordinate positions in African Union forums to strengthen Africa’s presence in the global space community.
During the meeting, Brig. Kipkosgey invited NASRDA to take part in the Kenya Space Expo and Conference, scheduled for June 2026 in Nairobi. The session was attended by senior officials from both agencies, including KSA’s Deputy Director of Space Research and Innovation, Jacques Matara, and Deputy Director of Space Systems and Infrastructure Development, Major Aloyce Were.
The Kenyan delegation also met with Nigerian start-ups active in the space industry, highlighting the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in advancing the continent’s technological frontiers. Speaking on behalf of NASRDA’s leadership, Dr Felix Ale stressed the importance of intra-African cooperation, joint investment, and collaborative initiatives to unlock Africa’s full potential in space exploration. Brig. Kipkosgey praised Nigeria’s thriving ecosystem and the creativity of local innovators, while Dr Idris Jega outlined strategies to encourage inclusiveness and commercialisation of new technologies to inspire the next generation of African space leaders.
Strengthening partnerships in satellite communications was another highlight of the visit. At the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) headquarters, Managing Director Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen hosted the KSA delegation for an in-depth presentation on NigComSat-1R and its capabilities. Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in satellite services that could drive socio-economic development in Kenya and across Africa. Egerton-Idehen reaffirmed NIGCOMSAT’s readiness to support KSA in achieving its strategic objectives.
The delegation also visited the Defence Space Administration (DSA), where Brig. Kipkosgey was received by Chief of Defence Space Administration Air Vice Marshal LI Oluwatoyin. Discussions at DSA headquarters explored the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s national space programme and areas where Kenya and Nigeria could work together. Brig. Kipkosgey underscored that while KSA initially focused on civilian applications, its mandate has since expanded to include defence-related space initiatives, creating a natural foundation for stronger ties with Nigeria’s defence space sector.
The visit highlighted the shared ambitions of both countries, which are leading economies in their respective regions and among Africa’s most advanced in space development. Both Kenya and Nigeria have launched satellites into orbit, established national space institutions and committed annual resources to advancing their programmes. By investing in areas such as Earth observation and emerging technologies, the two nations are positioning themselves to harness opportunities in the global space economy while promoting socio-economic growth at home.
Through this visit, Kenya and Nigeria signalled their commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation, with a view to building a more integrated African space ecosystem capable of competing and contributing on a global scale.
