The African Space Generation Workshop (AF-SGW) is a two-day international event where  students and young professionals, aged between 18 and 35, come together to discuss the future  of the African Space sector. The workshop is an annual event hosted by the Space Generation  Advisory Council (SGAC), an organization in support of the United Nations Program on Space  Applications. Workshops like this provide a platform for SGAC members to share their views,  ideas and recommendations on Space related topics. These ideas are brought forward by the  SGAC through participation in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer  Space (UN COPUOS) as well as in its sub-committees and forums. 

After the success of the past editions namely, Accra in February 2021, Addis Ababa in 2019, Port  Louis in 2018 and Akure in 2017, the fifth edition AF-SGW will take place as a hybrid event in  Stellenbosch on 26th-27th November. The workshop will take place in conjunction with the  International Academy of Aeronautics’ 1st African Symposium on Small Satellites, to be hosted  from the 29th November – 1st December 2021; both events will be held at the Stellenbosch  Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS).  

Under the theme ‘Building a Self-Sustaining African Space Sector’, the 5th AF-SGW will bring  together close to 60 delegates, both virtually and in-person, from across the region and  internationally. Delegates will be treated to a dynamic programme and gain great insights into  emerging Space topics through presentations by our industry experts, panel discussions by  industry thought leaders and government stakeholders, and working group sessions which will  stimulate discussions between delegates and their counterparts on salient industry issues. During  the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on relevant issues in  the Space community, fusing interdisciplinary and international perspectives. 

Social media networks are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming AF-SGW, and Space  enthusiasts around Africa are clearing their schedules as the quality of knowledge transfer at  these workshops are certainly not to be missed! The SGAC brings together students, young  professionals, academics, industry experts, and Space Agency representatives to network,  enhance international cooperation, nurture the next generation’s perspective on salient Space  matters and facilitate a next generation of industry leaders.