Aerospace In Africa
In 2017, NSBE Aerospace SIG launched the Aerospace In Africa (AIA) Initiative building upon our East Africa Feasibility Research studies starting in 2010 with a mission to support the development of a Spaceport and education center in East Africa as a catalyst for Community Development in the space industry.
Since then, the AIA Initiative has had a significant impact
Helping shape African nations’ Space Agenda
Bridging the Gap by leveraging diasporic interest & investment to bolster local actors’ reach & influence
Leading conversations around the pathway to the space economy?
Forging Technical Research partnerships with Local Space Agencies, Universities, and non-profits
Building a large self-sustaining network through which local actors are empowered to deploy high-impact outreach programs
CUBESAT INITIATIVE : KENYA
AIA initiative has fostered major collaborative efforts such as the CubeSat Initiative which was a direct response to a Call to Action from StartUp Africa. An NGO working to solve food scarcity in East Africa due to Locust infestation.
Together with local actors, the Aerospace SIG worked to develop and implement creative solutions by leveraging Space Tech to track locust swarms’ patterns.
S.T.E.A.M ALL AROUND ME: SENEGAL
Everybody loves a good STEM kit! They often feature fun, innovative elements that help spark children’s curiosity and facilitate their learning.
The Aerospace SIG will support its local partners to create adapted STEM kits for underprivileged school-aged children in Senegal by
Developing learning tools using culturally relevant imagery, and
Favoring the use of local materials / elements (for example using cauris shells instead of marbles, using Djampés instead of Velcro, etc.).
The Aerospace SIG seeks to deploy this initiative across Africa.
Our Partnerships and Collaborations.....
SALY AIRSHOW: SENEGAL
The Aerospace SIG supported Saly Air Show (Senegal 2019), which First International Airshow of its kind in West Africa!
A professional Forum for airline professionals, manufacturers, airport operators, political leaders, and civil aviation leaders to discuss and set forth a strategic plan for air transport in West Africa. Spectacular aerial performances livened the day up!
An Education Forum for high-schoolers and college students to learn about the various academic and professional paths that aviation has to offer. Students also competed in one of 3 challenges: a flight contest, a rocketry contest, and a white paper /presentation contest.
Saly Airshow focused on 1) allowing middle, high, and college students to discover the field of aeronautics, and 2) gathering political leaders and African civil aviation authorities to foster the conversations necessary to establish a development strategy for West Africa.
OUTREACH via S.A.L.A (Senegalese Alternative Learning Association): SENEGAL
Partnered with OBAP to support SALA, a non-profit founded by an Aerospace SIG member.
SALA’s mission is to promote STEAM “Always, in All ways” by demystifying science and making them accessible to all. Aerospace SiG Members flew to Senegal for a week-long Aerospace Showcase and Roadshow
FLY WITH ME - Journeying with Leona Serao, the first African Woman to fly solo around the world: Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Aerospace SIG aims to provide access to the aerospace and defense industry through experiential learning, outreach, and developmental forums believe representation is key to inspiring individuals to enter the industry and excel.
Leona Serao is a pilot planning a solo flight journey around the world. Serao will partner with the Aerospace SIG to host an interactive live Q&A session about her experience, an introduction to the basics of flight, along with a tour of the aircraft.
Learn more at : www.flynona.com
We aim to educate, engage, and inspire young students of African heritage to pursue careers in the aerospace industry by promoting the industry with “a familiar face”.
When the youth thinks of aerospace, they often think of a particular race and a particular socio-economic background. This makes aviation seem like an unattainable field; we want to challenge that perception.
Generation of an African Astronaut Analog: Kenya
Building upon NSBE Aerospace spaceport feasibility studies and space advancements, the aerospace has formed a strategic partnership THE FUTURES FORUM to increase access to space professionals, students, and enthusiasts across the continent by supporting the development of Space research opportunities for NSBE Chapters and Members across Africa
Pre-college Aerospace Career Talks with NSBE Jr BLASS Chapter: Nigeria
Providing access to mentors globally is important to the growth of the Aerospace Industry globally.
The Aerospace SIG has partnered with the Blended Learning and Study Center and the Blass NSBE Jr Chapter to encourage students in Nigeria to pursue careers in the aerospace industry through pre-college career talks and workshops virtually or in-person.
AIA Collaborators
Join the list of organizations we regularly collaborate on programming with or support their programs and events across Africa...
AIA Partners
Join our community of partners committed to advancing aerospace across Africa...
