Angola Space Sector Growth
Angola’s Space Agency (GGPEN) Overview
The Office for the Management of the National Space Program (GGPEN) is the entity responsible for implementing, managing, and monitoring Angola’s Space Program. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication (MINTTICS), GGPEN’s mission is to promote the strategic and peaceful use of outer space. Its vision is to transform Angola into an internationally recognized center of excellence in the space field.
Since 2018, GGPEN has been investing in research and development of space applications focused on Earth observation, particularly in the downstream segment—that is, the practical use of space data to support sectors such as agriculture, energy, environment, land-use planning, and finance. These initiatives are aligned with the Angola Space Strategy 2016–2025, which sets out the guidelines for using space technology as a tool for sustainable development.
Among the most significant milestones is the inauguration, on May 5, 2023, of the Research and Development Laboratory for Space Applications, dedicated to creating solutions based on Earth observation. In April 2024, GGPEN co-organized, in partnership with the African Union Commission, the NewSpace 2024 Conference, held at the Talatona Convention Center in Luanda. This event brought together more than 500 delegates from 257 organizations, including space agencies, private companies, investors, and government representatives. The presence of U.S. companies such as MAXAR Technologies, Arusha Space, Hayes Group International (HGI), StarLink, Astranis, and Planet Labs demonstrated the growing international interest in Angola’s space sector.
Creation of Angola’s Next Generation Geo-Data Center
In 2025, GGPEN is taking a strategic step with the creation of GEDAE – Smart Solutions of the Geodata Center, an infrastructure dedicated to the industrial production of services and products derived from Earth observation. GEDAE (launched as a public-private partnership and currently in the proof of concept phase) aims to provide customized decision-support tools for various sectors of the national economy, contributing to natural resource management, deforestation monitoring, land-use optimization, disaster management, urban planning, tax recovery, development education, and support to areas such as agriculture, finance, mining, energy, and infrastructure.
GEDAE’s strategic partners include Africell Angola, responsible for digital connectivity; Airbus Defense and Space, supplier of high-resolution satellite imagery; and GGPEN itself, which leads technical and institutional coordination. The center will also count on the support of Angolan academic institutions for technical training and applied research.
To bring GEDAE to fruition, GGPEN is seeking partnerships (i.e., joint ventures) with two or more private entities to manage and commercially operate the center. The identified needs include technical training of staff, licensing specialized software, adequate physical facilities, high-performance computers with access to databases, and an initial minimum investment of USD 500,000. The partnership model is flexible and may include concessions or public-private partnerships (PPP).
Opportunities for U.S. companies are broad and strategic. There is room for the supply of advanced geospatial technologies, digital infrastructure, training programs and technical certification, public policy and data governance consulting, as well as participation in open innovation projects. GEDAE offers a favorable environment for U.S. companies to test, validate, and scale technological solutions in an emerging market with strong demand for digital transformation.
The economic potential of the project is significant. GGPEN estimates that, with contracts already in place with ANPG – National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels, and negotiations with AGT – General Tax Administration, GEDAE could generate USD 14.3 million in its first years, potentially reaching USD 17.6 million with the inclusion of companies from the mining sector. According to the European Space Program Agency, the global downstream Earth observation applications market generated USD 3.7 billion in 2023, with growth forecasts of up to USD 6.6 billion by 2033.
With GEDAE, Angola positions itself as an emerging hub for space innovation in Africa, offering concrete opportunities for national and international companies seeking to invest in technology, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
For more information about opportunities for U.S. companies in ICT, Geo-data, or space-enabled technologies and applications and to design your market-entry strategy for Angola, please contact Commercial Assistant Mauro Fonseca at Mauro.Fonseca@trade.gov.