The launch of Mohammed VI-A reflects a new way nations in Africa are growing their economic, social and military capabilities. While experienced spacefaring nations are trying to extend their influence on the continent, African nations themselves could use their own increasing sophistication with space technology to grow their own influence, hoping to change the balance of power in the continent. As African nations gain sophisticated space capabilities, they might even end up competing with their more experienced counterparts. In short, what African nations expect to achieve in space could influence the geopolitical agenda of countries across Asia, North America and Europe. In that way, space isn’t just changing the balance of power in Africa, but could ultimately be changing the destinies of entire countries.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2018 16:52 UTC