10.07.2023
Sara Sabry of Egypt, the first African woman in space, is calling for more Africans to participate in space exploration and take advantage of related technologies and economic opportunities.
“I don’t think space should be such an exclusive club. To be the first at something is to kick down the door for others to follow,” Sabry said during a panel discussion this week in Togo. “It is important for Africa to have a seat at the table and be involved in space exploration. The demographic in space must reflect that of people on Earth.”
Investment in satellites and space technology can assist developing African nations with applications in agriculture, education, banking and more.
Sabry was in Lomé to participate in the Africa50 Infra Forum alongside African Development Bank chief Akinwumi Adesina and senior AfDB advisor Victor Oladokun. She is the founder of the nonprofit Deep Space Initiative and last year traveled aboard the New Shepard rocket developed by Blue Origin, an American aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
Both Oladokun and Adesina commended Sabry on her leadership.
“As a young African scientist, you give hope that young people can be in space despite the odds. It is often said that women can do what men can do, but I can say that women can do better than men,” Adesina said.
Quelle: Africa Times
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Africans need to participate in space exploration, says astronaut Sara Sabry
Experts believe that satellite technology can have a significant impact on rapidly developing African countries by advancing weather forecasting, agriculture, navigation, and even banking and online education.
Sara Sabry, Africas first woman in space, has called for regional and global efforts to enable more Africans to participate in space exploration as part of efforts to advance the continents socioeconomic transformation.
Sara Sabry, an Egyptian astronaut and founder of the Deep Space Initiative, made the call during a panel discussion on ‘A Different View: Africa’s future reimagined’ at the Africa50 Infra Forum and General Shareholders Meeting held in Togos capital Lomé.
“I don’t think space should be such an exclusive club. To be the first at something is to kick down the door for others to follow,” Sabry said. It is important for Africa to have a seat at the table and be involved in space exploration. The demographic in space must reflect that of people on Earth.
Sabry made history when she travelled to space on the New Shepard rocket developed by Blue Origin.
Speaking during the TED-style event, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group described Sabry as an inspiration.
“As a young African scientist, you give hope that young people can be in space despite the odds. It is often said that women can do what men can do, but I can say that women can do better than men, ” Adesina added.
Sabry stressed that Africans should pursue space travel. “It is important for Africa to build its capacity in space technology and gain its own control,” she stated. Experts believe that satellite technology can have a significant impact on rapidly developing African countries by advancing weather forecasting, agriculture, navigation, and even banking and online education.
Sabry also called for a review of laws that restrict people from participating in space exploration.
Sabrys non-profit, the Deep Space Initiative, works to make space exploration more accessible to more people globally.
Dr Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank on Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, moderated the session. He described Sara as an embodiment of the hope and aspirations of many.
Quelle: BroadcastPro