Space startups Africa: 2026

2026 Africa space startups = emerging ecosystem. NewSpace Africa: satellites, launch services (Africa-based?), data services. 100M$+ raised 2024.

TL;DR

- Africa space startups: NewSpace movement.

- 100M$+ funding 2024.

- Satellites + data services + launch ambitions.

- SA, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya leaders.

Players

Satellites + data :

• Astrofica Technologies (SA) - cubesats
• DragonFly Aerospace (SA)
• Spacedosi (Tunisia)
• AstroDigital
• Cape Town Space programs

Earth observation :

• Aerobotics (SA, agri)
• TerraScope (Africa)
• Descartes Labs partnerships

Launch services :

• AfreeSpace (proposal)
• South Africa Sutherland sites
• Algeria proposed launches

Education / R&D :

• Space Generation Africa
• AIMS Space programs
• University cubesat programs

Specific :

• TymTech (SA, satellite-IoT)
• Pula Space (multi)
• HabariSat (Senegal idea)

2024-25 funding

Africa space funding :

• 100M$+ raised 2024
• DragonFly Aerospace lead
• Aerobotics 27M$
• SA majority funding

Investors :

• Naspers
• Knife Capital
• E-squared Capital
• International (occasional Khosla Ventures)

Government grants :

• AU Space Strategy
• Country-specific programs

Builder opportunities

• Africa Earth observation verticals
• Satellite-IoT (rural connectivity)
• SAR data analytics
• Custom imagery products
• Education + cubesat builders
• Space insurance
• GPS asset tracking
• Maritime piracy detection

FAQ

Q: Africa launch capacity?

A: Not yet operational. 2027-30 studies + plans. Algeria, SA candidates.

Conclusion

2026 Africa space startups: NewSpace movement, 100M$+ funding 2024. Satellites + Earth obs + data services. SA, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya leaders. Builders: Africa-specific verticals = emerging niche.