SG [Benin] | Abomey-Calavi 2023  

SG[Benin] 2023 is the first ever Space Generation Advisory Council local event in Benin and in a West Africa francophone country. It is an in-person event happening at “Bibliothèque Bénin Excellence” in the Abomey-Calavi City. This event aims to highlight the importance of space for the technological and socio-economic development of Benin, the review of space industry in Africa and how to develop space technologies in Benin. During a full day, participants (enthusiasts, students and young professionals aged 18-35, from all over the country and beyond) will be invited to listen to relevant presentations by inspiring speakers and to discuss with experts in the space sector during the working groups sessions.  

SG [Benin] as the first international space industry event organized in the Republic of Benin, will focus on how best to harness the resources of the space sector to achieve the UN’s SDGs to create inclusive and equal societies for all Africans. 

In spite of this, at the SGAC Benin we believe that this outstanding event will introduce the era of space in Benin and attract the national authorities’ attention on the importance of space industry and the benefits it can afford to the development. 

The objective of the SG [Benin] is to provide a clear roadmap on how the space sector can contribute to the socio-economic and technological development of Benin through the achievement of the UN SDGs. 

We clearly hope that this event will help to : 

• Recognize the role that space science can play in the advancement of STEM, science, and innovation in Benin and Africa.
• Consider how much the space industry contributes to economic growth.
• Learn how to use space resources to tackle hunger, global warming, and access to clean water. 
• Provide concrete recommendations to government and organizations on the use of space sector resources

Program : 

Event theme : The Value of he space industry to Benin’s socio-economic development and technological growth.  

The event will take place from 9 am to 7 pm local time (UTC +1). This program is provisional and may change. 

Working Groups : 

Working Group 1: Space Technology for Climate Change
“How can we best leverage space technology to combat the effects of climate change?”
This working group will focus on the use of space technology to combat the effects of climate change. Members will discuss the different technologies available, the policies and measures needed to encourage their use and to support the implementation of large-scale projects. They will seek to identify concrete solutions to maximize the impact of space technologies in the fight against climate change in Benin.

Working Group 2: Space resources for sustainable agriculture in Benin
“How to develop sustainable and resilient agriculture using space technologies?”
This working group will examine the space technologies available to monitor environmental conditions and optimize agricultural yields, as well as policies needed to encourage their use. The group will identify concrete solutions to maximize the impact of space technologies in the development of sustainable agriculture in Benin.

Working Group 3: Benin’s Space Policy
“What space policy should Benin adopt for the development of the space sector ?”
This working group will invite participants to examine the establishment of a space policy at the national level and the strategies to be adopted to develop the space sector in the country. Topics to be discussed will include the building of adequate space infrastructure, the development of research and innovation, the training of qualified professionals, international cooperation, and the definition of objectives and priorities for the Beninese space program.

Working Group 4: Astronomy research and innovation
“How to develop and encourage research and innovation through astronomy?”
This working group will focus on the development and promotion of research and innovation in astronomy. Members will discuss the opportunities astronomy offers for basic and applied research, as well as technological innovation. They will also examine policies and measures needed to encourage astronomy education and promotion.

Register for this unique event that offer you the occasion to learn more about space industry, meet space professionals and enthusiast from different countries.   

Registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned !

For any questions about the event or for sponsorship, please contact the organizing team [email protected].