Africa’s first woman astronaut advocates for African participation in space exploration

Lomé, Togo – Sara Sabry, Africa’s first woman astronaut and founder of the Deep Space Initiative, urged for greater African involvement in space exploration during a panel discussion held at the Africa50 Infra Forum and General Shareholders Meeting. The event, titled “A Different View: Africa’s future reimagined,” focused on the socioeconomic transformation of the continent.

Sabry expressed her belief that space should not be an exclusive domain, stating, “I don’t think space should be such an exclusive club. To be the first at something is to kick down the door for others to follow.” Emphasizing the importance of representation, she added, “It is important for Africa to have a seat at the table and be involved in space exploration. The demographic in space must reflect that of people on Earth.”

As a pioneering figure, Sabry etched her name in history when she embarked on a space voyage aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, developed by Jeff Bezos’ American aerospace company. Her achievements inspired Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, who praised Sabry’s ability to inspire young Africans, remarking, “As a young African scientist, you give hope that young people can be in space despite the odds. It is often said that women can do what men can do, but I can say that women can do better than men.”

Sabry stressed the need for Africans to pursue space travel and advocated for the development of Africa’s own space technology capabilities. She highlighted the potential impact of satellite technology on rapidly developing African countries, including advancements in weather forecasting, agriculture, navigation, banking, and online education.

Furthermore, Sabry called for a reassessment of laws that limit participation in space exploration, underlining the importance of creating an inclusive environment. Her non-profit organization, the Deep Space Initiative, works towards increasing accessibility to space exploration for people worldwide.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank on Communication and Stakeholder Engagement. Describing Sabry as a symbol of hope and aspirations, he acknowledged her as a role model for many. With Sabry’s passionate advocacy and the growing support for African participation in space exploration, the future of the continent’s involvement in the cosmic frontier appears promising.