The Executive Council of the African Union (AU) named Morocco and nine other member-states to the African Space Council (AFSA), at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State, “African News Space” reported on Thursday.
Morocco’s Amal Laayachi secured the position of member for the Northern Region on the AFSA Council receiving 35 votes.
Laayachi is expected to make a significant contribution to AFSA’s initiatives to promote technological and scientific development on the continent, which Morocco views as critical as Africa seeks to enhance its footprint in the space sector.
The AU Executive Council appointed the Ivorian Dr. Tidiane Ouattara as Chairman of the African Space Council to promote the development of Africa’s space capabilities. The ten elected members from the continent’s five regions are now represented by one man and one woman.
Dr. Ouattara will lead AFSA policy formulation and work planning; strategically aligning investments with continental objectives, including those outlined in Africa 2063; prioritizing progress in space exploration, research, and technology development; collaborating in space exploration and research with local and international stakeholders; promoting mutual benefits and peaceful endeavors for all Africans; and supporting the growth of commercial space industries.
Ouattara was the Head of the Science, Technology, and Space Division at the AU Commission’s Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as the coordinator in charge of developing and implementing the African Space Programme. With nearly 28 years of experience in international relations, business development and resource mobilization, policy development, and program negotiation and management, he previously created and coordinated the Global Monitoring for Environment, Security, and Africa (GMES and Africa) joint venture.