The African Union has congratulated Algeria on the successful launch of the Alsat-3A Earth observation satellite, calling it a milestone for Africa’s space ambitions.
The AU said the satellite will enhance geospatial data for development, environmental monitoring and disaster response, and praised Algeria’s leadership and commitment to peaceful space cooperation.
In a press release issued in Addis Ababa on Friday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the launch marked a significant technological achievement with wide implications for sustainable development across the continent.
“This achievement reaffirms Algeria’s leadership in space science and its commitment to harnessing satellite technologies for sustainable development, environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction, for an informed policymaking,” Youssouf said.
The Alsat-3A satellite is designed to provide high-resolution Earth observation data, a capability the African Union believes will strengthen decision-making at both national and continental levels.
According to the Commission, such data is critical for addressing challenges ranging from climate change and environmental degradation to food security and urban planning.
The AU Chairperson said the satellite’s enhanced data capacity could directly support Africa’s long-term development blueprint.
“The Chairperson hopes that the enhanced high-resolution data from Alsat-3A will contribute to national and continental priorities in line with Agenda 2063 and the African Space Policy and Strategy,” the statement said.
Agenda 2063 outlines Africa’s vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development, while the African Space Policy and Strategy seeks to coordinate space activities across member states, promote shared infrastructure and ensure space technologies serve socio-economic goals.
The African Union also highlighted the collaborative nature of the satellite launch, welcoming what it as a strong spirit of international cooperation.
The Commission said such partnerships are essential for building Africa’s space ecosystem and ensuring that space science contributes to collective progress.
“The African Union Commission welcomes the strong spirit of international cooperation in the launch of the satellite and commends Algeria’s continued investment and peaceful uses of outer space for Africa’s collective progress,” the statement said.
Algeria has been steadily expanding its space programme, positioning itself as one of the continent’s leaders in satellite development and deployment.
The launch of Alsat-3A adds to Africa’s growing portfolio of Earth observation assets, which are increasingly used for mapping, weather forecasting, environmental protection and disaster preparedness.
For the African Union, the success of Alsat-3A also reflects broader continental efforts to reduce reliance on external data sources and to build indigenous technological capacity.
By strengthening access to accurate, timely geospatial information, the AU says member states can improve policy formulation and respond more effectively to emergencies such as floods, droughts and wildfires.
The press release was issued under the banner of the African Union’s 2025 theme, the Year of Reparations, which focuses on justice for Africans and people of African descent.
While the theme centres on historical redress, the Commission has also emphasised innovation, science and technology as tools for shaping a more equitable future.
The AU’s Information and Communication Directorate said the Commission remains committed to supporting member states that invest in science and technology for peaceful purposes.
It also reaffirmed the AU’s role in coordinating continental initiatives and encouraging knowledge sharing in space science and related fields.
As Africa continues to develop its space infrastructure, the AU has urged member states to align national programmes with continental frameworks, ensuring that investments contribute to shared goals.
The Commission said Algeria’s latest achievement demonstrates how national leadership can advance collective ambitions.
The African Union concluded by reiterating its support for initiatives that expand Africa’s presence in space while delivering tangible benefits on the ground, from improved environmental monitoring to stronger disaster risk reduction and informed policymaking across the continent.
