According to the report, Africas space economy is currently valued at $4.95bn, which significantly surpasses the 2026 forecast published in our 2022 report, which became the foundation for global discussions on African space capabilities.
Space in Africa has released the African Space Industry Annual Report 2025, offering the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment to date of the continents rapidly expanding space ecosystem. The annual study is widely regarded as the definitive reference for businesses, policymakers and global stakeholders involved in strategic planning across Africas space sector.
A key finding of the 2025 edition is an updated valuation of the African space economy, which the report identifies as the only globally trusted source of valuation and long-term projections for the continent. According to the new data, Africas space economy was valued at $24.95bn in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $39.52bn by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.97%.
The latest valuation significantly exceeds projections published in Space in Africas 2022 report, which estimated the industry at $19.49bn in 2021 and forecast growth to $22.64bn by 2026. The sector has already surpassed that earlier projection by $2.31bn, reaching the milestone two years ahead of schedule. The report notes that this acceleration is the result of sustained momentum across public, private and intergovernmental actors operating throughout the African space value chain, rather than a short-term surge.
The study highlights the interconnected nature of Africas space activities, underlining that growth is being driven collectively across regions and countries rather than by isolated national programmes. The valuation is based on a detailed bottom-up assessment of nine core industry segments, providing a holistic view of the continents space economy.
Beyond market sizing, the 2025 edition delivers expanded intelligence across satellite manufacturing, national space programmes, private-sector participation and policy development. It analyses satellite procurement pipelines in 13 African countries, benchmarking costs across missions, orbits and satellite classes, while also comparing national space budgets as a share of GDP, defence spending and per capita investment.
The report maps more than 300 African space companies, offering insight into the continents NewSpace landscape and identifying opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. It also examines national space policies across key markets, evaluates geopolitical engagement through initiatives such as the Artemis Accords and the International Lunar Research Station, and reviews Africas growing role in Earth observation, connectivity and space-enabled applications in sectors such as agriculture, disaster management and natural resource monitoring.
In addition, the study provides an overview of active space projects and funding priorities, helping stakeholders identify gaps and areas for collaboration or co-financing. Its analysis spans 65 satellites launched by African countries between 1998 and 2025, supported by transparent valuation methodologies and detailed project mapping.
Space in Africa said the report is designed to serve a wide range of global and regional stakeholders, including satellite manufacturers, investment firms, government agencies, telecom operators, development organisations and academic institutions. With its depth of data and forward-looking insights, the 2025 edition reinforces the reports status as an essential guide to understanding and participating in Africas fast-growing space economy.
