Nigeria-South Africa bi-national Commission : the need to include cooperation in outer space activities

Abstract

Nigeria and South Africa renewed their commitment to each other during the 10th Bi-national Commission (BNC) that was held in November 2021. They signed new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in youth development, women and child empowerment, and political consultation. They reviewed earlier MoUs in military cooperation, mining and processing, as well as oil and gas. They also established a Joint Ministerial Advisory Council (on trade, investment, and industry), and the South Africa-Nigeria Youth Dialogue. While this effort is commendable, one important but missing element is space cooperation, particularly in Earth Observation, Satellite Communication, Navigation and Positioning, as well as Space Science and Astronomy. Nigeria- South Africa space cooperation is not only beneficial to the space sectors of both countries, it is also a tool for attaining the goals of the BNC. To facilitate such cooperation, Nigeria and South Africa could strengthen their existing science cooperation; appoint science attachés in their respective embassies; establish a Space Forum within the framework of the BNC; and explore nontraditional mechanisms of science diplomacy. The bilateral space cooperation would also facilitate the implementation of the African Outer Space Programme – one of the flagship programmes of the African Union (AU) aimed at fostering Africa’s integration and socio-economic development.