The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Cairo. The signing ceremony was attended by ASI President Teodoro Valente, EgSA CEO Sherif Mohamed Sedky, and Adolfo Ursi, Minister of Business and Made in Italy, who oversees aerospace policies.
The primary aim of the MoU is to bolster cooperation in the space sector between Italy and Egypt, fostering long-term investments and partnerships. This collaboration between ASI and EgSA is poised to facilitate investments in the space sector, involving industries alongside the space agencies. Together, they aim to develop projects and initiatives of mutual interest on a Mediterranean, African, and international scale.
Minister Adolfo Urso emphasized Italy’s potential as a key supporter of Africa’s space endeavors, aligning with the priorities outlined in the Mattei Plan. The agreement is seen as strategic for fostering innovative technologies that will permeate various industrial sectors. Urso highlighted Africa’s significance in the space sector’s development, citing Italy’s base in Malindi as a potential asset for African countries seeking to participate in this vital sector.
ASI President Valente hailed the agreement as a bridge connecting Europe and Africa in the space domain. This collaboration aligns with ASI’s commitment to strengthening relationships with African countries as they enter the space sector, within the framework of initiatives laid out by the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
Egypt, among other African nations, has been actively shaping its space policy, evidenced by the establishment of EgSA in 2019. This reflects the government’s broader interest in expanding involvement in the sector, which historically focused on science and remote sensing.
The MoU underscores Italy and Egypt’s intent to enhance cooperation in space sciences and technologies, promoting collaboration between universities, research institutes, and companies from both nations.
Areas of potential cooperation include Earth Observation and Remote Sensing, space applications, capacity-building projects, and specialized training initiatives. Earth Observation, particularly in monitoring climate change’s impact on society and the national economy, presents a significant opportunity for joint projects involving Italian companies with relevant expertise.
