19 Apr NEPAD/ SANSA partnership targets growth and development in Africa
Delegation from NEPAD Agency and SANSA at signing ceremony
The MoU signed today between NEPAD and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), will enable the provision of Earth observation products and services that support the implementation of key programmes for societal benefit such as sustainable agriculture and food security, integrated water resources management, sustainable forestry management, as well as urban planning and infrastructure monitoring.
“We remain committed to ensuring the integration of African space-based knowledge and technology in improving the lives of fellow Africans and welcome such esteemed partnerships in achieving this objective.’ said Dr Valanathan Munsami, SANSA CEO at the signing ceremony.
The satellite based remote sensing products and services provided by SANSA will play a fundamental role in aiding spatial decision support systems that are required for the implementation of NEPAD’s 2025 Vision on the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) which is Africa’s policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth and prosperity for all; the Action Plan for the Environment Initiative and the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative. CAADP is a pan-African framework that provides a set of principles and broadly defined strategies to help countries on the continent.
These space- based solutions will also enable NEPAD to support the AU in the monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are aligned with the implementation of the first ten year plan of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The achievement of Agenda 2063 requires innovative partnerships that enhance evidence based planning and implementation for real transformative impacts on the continent” Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency.
Through the MoU, Earth observation based products and services will support the strengthening of country planning and evidence based policy formulation throughout the continent.