Cross section of guests at the space economy sideline event at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair
By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
The potentials of space economy as a money spinner have been brought to the front burner Tuesday at the ongoing 18th Abuja International Trade Fair.
It was part of a sideline advocacy promotion event ahead of the forthcoming maiden Africa Space Economy conference and exhibition scheduled from 16th – 20th October, 2023 powered by Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
It would have as theme “Exploring space economy for Africa’s economic growth.”
In a presentation at the Trade Fair complex, some of the potentials of space economy include communication, space tourism, defence and security, navigation, transportation (GPS), earth observation, health care especially telemedicine, agriculture, natural resources management, environmental monitoring, space law and education among others.
Speakers at the event were optimistic of the financial benefits of space economy would bring to the country in terms of technical know-how, jobs and finance.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Osi Imomoh said conference and exhibition is aimed at exploring the benefits embedded in the space economy as an emerging sub-sector of global space ecosystem.
Imomoh is also ACCI Vice President, ICT, Science and Digital Economy.
He said the global space economy grew 8% to $546billion in 2022 and is projected to climb another 41% over the next five years, according to a leading space nonprofit.
As such, he said, there was need to take advantage of the huge benefit.
He pointed out that the conference will demystify space technology and how it is already helping in the ordinary day living of Nigerians and Africans.
“The conference will give practical tips and examples on how State Inland Revenue Agencies can increase their IGR immediately and enable their States to be self-sufficient, financially. Land Administration Agencies in the States and FCT are among those to benefit from the conference,” he said.
The LOC chairman enumerated some benefits of space economy as how a nation can remotely secure and protect her Oil and Gas pipelines.
He also said the conference would show how a census can be conducted using space technologies without physical presence especially useful in places where there is insurgency and banditry.
Imomoh said among those expected are delegates and exhibitors from NASA, AIRBUS and Proforce.
The President ACCI, Dr. Mujtaba Abubakar represented by the Director General, Dr Victoria Akai the first Nigeria Space Economy Conference is coming at a critical juncture in country’s development.
He said Nigeria is a proud member of the space community, with her own Space Agency that has a clear vision and a strong mandate to continue pushing the boundaries of space technology for the benefit of our society.
According to the President, the upcoming conference is an opportunity to take stock of progress so far and plot a course for the future.
The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Halilu Shaba Ahmad, represented by Dr. Halidu Ibrahim, Director, Ground Operations.
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