Africa in Orbit: Space Power, Security & Diaspora Talent | Skyward Africa

With Africa’s space ecosystem accelerating, the United States stands at a strategic inflection point as geopolitical competition moves decisively into orbit.

Skyward Africa, an initiative of Asha Strategies LLC, convenes a curated executive-level salon examining Africa’s expanding role in the global space economy and the implications for U.S. engagement. The program features a focused fireside conversation with leaders in space policy and diplomacy, followed by structured engagement designed to foster meaningful connections across government, industry, development finance, and the African diaspora.

The discussion will explore:

• How African nations are advancing sovereign space capabilities
• The strategic importance of space for national development and security
• Commercial and regulatory realities shaping collaboration
• The critical role diaspora talent plays in building sustainable ecosystems

Participants include professionals working across space, technology, policy, diplomacy, investment, and workforce development.

• Space and aerospace executives and professionals
• Policymakers and congressional staff
• Diplomats and international affairs practitioners
• Satellite, data, and emerging technology companies
• Development finance and trade-focused professionals
• African diaspora leaders engaged in space, STEM, and policy

If you are actively shaping space ecosystems through policy, capital, technology, or diplomacy this conversation is for you.

• 20-minute fireside dialogue with leading space policy and diplomatic voices
• Curated, structured networking designed for high-trust engagement
• Executive-level reception environment
• Strategic insights into Africa’s space ambitions and U.S.–Africa collaboration pathways

Skyward Africa is an initiative of Asha Strategies LLC advancing U.S.–Africa collaboration in space, aviation, and emerging technologies through strategic convenings, policy engagement, and institutional partnerships. The platform brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and diaspora talent to build forward-looking, inclusive, and commercially viable space ecosystems.

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Info: Event Introduction by Asha Strategies CEO

Info: The African Perspective: What African Nations Seek from Commercial Space Partnerships
- Government priorities
- Capacity building vs material extraction
- Institutional and workforce development

Info: Moderated by Natasha Moleele
Panelists:
Amber McIntyre
Meshack Kinyua
Rama Afullo

As Africa’s space capabilities expand, diaspora talent represents one of the most underleveraged strategic assets in the global space ecosystem. This panel explores how African diaspora professionals are deploying capital, technical expertise, institutional knowledge, and cross-border networks to accelerate space innovation and strengthen U.S.–Africa collaboration.
Panelists will examine:
- Practical commercial entry points for diaspora-led engagement
- Building sustainable training and workforce pipelines
-Bridging regulatory and institutional gaps
Rather than viewing diaspora talent as symbolic representation, this conversation positions it as structural capital, a force multiplier in advancing commercial viability, policy alignment, and long-term ecosystem development.

Info: Discussion Themes

• Africa’s growing role in the global space economy
• Space infrastructure, security, and strategic autonomy
• Commercial space opportunities across African markets
• Diaspora talent driving innovation and partnerships
• U.S.–Africa collaboration in emerging space sectors

Info: An intentionally curated networking session designed to facilitate high-value connections across government, industry, and the diaspora. This segment encourages candid exchange, practical problem-solving, and partnership exploration among participants shaping the future of U.S.–Africa space collaboration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Private Venue, Washington D.C., Washington DC, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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