Egypt isn’t the only African nation drawn into China’s expanding space ambitions. Beijing has signed space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries, funding satellites and ground stations that collect valuable imagery and data.
- China is strengthening its space cooperation with Africa, securing nearly two dozen agreements with various nations.
- China has signed space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries, funding satellites and ground stations to collect valuable imagery and data.
- President Xi Jinping announced a $50 billion investment package in Africa, with satellite development, lunar exploration, and deep-space research as key priorities.
China has strengthened its space cooperation with Africa, securing nearly two dozen agreements with various nations as it pushes to surpass the United States in the global space race.
Through significant investments in satellite technology and space infrastructure, Beijing is deepening its influence across the continent, gaining strategic partnerships while enhancing its surveillance and communication capabilities, Reuters revealed in a report.
The move comes as the U.S. scales back aid to developing countries, creating an opportunity for China to position itself as Africa’s key ally in space development.
DON’T MISS THIS: African countries with the highest number of satellites in orbit
One of the latest developments is an Egyptian satellite lab, a key part of China’s broader, and somewhat secretive, overseas space program. Egypt, which has 13 satellites in orbit—one of the highest numbers among African nations, according to Statista, is just one of many countries benefiting from China’s support.
While China has publicly touted its donations of satellites, space monitoring telescopes, and ground stations across Africa, what’s less talked about is the long-term access Beijing gains to the data these technologies collect, according to Reuters.
Chinese personnel maintain a continuous presence in the facilities they help build, ensuring ongoing control and oversight.
Egypt isn’t the only African nation drawn into China’s expanding space ambitions. Beijing has signed space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries, funding satellites and ground stations that collect valuable imagery and data.
DON’T MISS THIS: Beijing has signed space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries
In the past year, Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal have agreed to work with China on a future moon base, a direct challenge to the U.S.’s lunar plans.
There seems to be more to come. In a September meeting with African leaders in Beijing, President Xi Jinping announced that satellite development, lunar exploration, and deep-space research would be among the key priorities for a $50 billion investment package in Africa over the next three years.
Behind the scenes, China is getting more than just goodwill from these deals. Its investments secure access to critical surveillance data and ensure a strategic foothold on the continent, one that could reshape the global balance of power in space.
