The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing Africa’s capabilities in space weather observation, data sharing, and satellite-based forecasting through programmes and international partnerships.
Ms. Sharafat Gadimova, Official of the Executive Secretariat of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), UNOOSA, made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with reporters.
Space weather refers to the physical and phenomenological conditions of the natural space environment, usually caused by the sun, which can affect technologies on Earth. Unlike terrestrial weather, space weather does not involve atmospheric conditions such as temperature or humidity.
Gadimova said UNOOSA, through the ICG, has been supporting regional centres for space science and technology education in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Morocco, to enhance the continent’s participation in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) development and applications.
“These centres, such as the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) in Ile-Ife, play a vital role in connecting institutions involved in GNSS and space weather studies with international partners,” she said.
She noted that the centres serve as information hubs for ICG activities and work closely with GNSS providers to strengthen data exchange, technical collaboration, and research capacity across Africa.
According to Gadimova, these regional centres help bridge gaps for countries that lack the resources to independently develop training programmes or research infrastructure in modern satellite technologies.
She highlighted a recent international GNSS workshop, jointly organized in August 2024 by ARCSSTE-E and the National Time Service Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as a key effort to build regional expertise and foster international partnerships.
“Through these workshops, African scientists and students gain access to new research tools, build expertise, and strengthen collaboration with global partners,” she said.
Gadimova added that such partnerships provide African researchers with opportunities to participate in training and measurement programmes using GNSS-based observations to study ionospheric disturbances and other space weather phenomena.
She explained that Africa’s proximity to the magnetic equator makes it a region of great interest to space weather scientists. However, research has been inconsistent due to a lack of dependable, long-term measurements. Collaboration with low-latitude countries and access to reliable data are helping to increase GNSS awareness and provide technology for socio-economic development and scientific exploration.
Gadimova also announced an upcoming workshop on GNSS applications, scheduled for November 17–21, 2025, in Jakarta, which will include a dedicated session on GNSS and space weather.
She said UNOOSA’s work on space weather forms part of a broader UN framework to support space science and technology applications for sustainable development in member states.
“The Office also promotes cooperation among GNSS providers to ensure greater compatibility, interoperability, and transparency of satellite navigation systems,” Gadimova said.
She recalled that Nigeria was among the founding members of the ICG, established in 2005 under the UN to coordinate global GNSS efforts. Gadimova reaffirmed that UNOOSA remains committed to aligning its space weather activities with its mandate as the ICG’s executive secretariat.
