By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Space Agency
(AfSA) has opened applications for a specialised training programme in Earth
Observation (EO), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial
Intelligence (AI), aimed at strengthening African capacities in the application
of space technologies to agriculture, land use and water security.
The five-day training
programme, scheduled to take place from January 18 to 22, 2027, in Rabat,
Morocco, is being organised under the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme
(AESPP) – Continental Innovation.
Applications opened on
November 3, 2026, and will close on November 30, 2026. The programme targets
African professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders
interested in strengthening their capabilities in Earth Observation and its
applications.
According to AfSA, the
initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening Africa's technical and
entrepreneurial capacities and promoting the use of space technologies to
address the continent's sustainable development challenges.
The training will focus on
three key application areas: agriculture, land use and management, and water
security.
In agriculture, participants
will explore how Earth Observation data can support agricultural monitoring,
resource management and informed decision-making. The land use and management
component will focus on applying geospatial technologies to analyse land-use
changes and support sustainable land management and territorial planning.
For water security, the
programme will examine how satellite data and analytical tools can strengthen
water resource monitoring, assessment and management.
The training will combine
foundational knowledge in Earth Observation and GIS with practical exercises,
AI applications and entrepreneurial perspectives, providing participants with
opportunities to enhance their technical skills and explore practical applications
of satellite data.
Beyond technical capacity
development, the programme aims to encourage knowledge exchange, innovation and
the development of Earth Observation-based services across the continent.
AfSA said applications will
be assessed based on the programme's eligibility requirements and selection
criteria, including applicants' professional backgrounds, motivation, technical
experience and potential to apply the knowledge acquired.
Interested candidates are
expected to submit their applications through the official online application
form, available in English. Detailed information on eligibility requirements,
available places, participation conditions and any applicable financial support
will be provided in the official call for applications.
Through the Africa–EU Space
Partnership Programme, AfSA continues to promote the development of African
expertise, foster innovation and support the transformation of satellite data
into practical solutions for sustainable development.
The agency said investing in
African talent and technical expertise would contribute to building a stronger,
more innovative and resilient African space ecosystem.
