Abuja 18^th October 2017. ECOWAS is partnering national space agencies and related technical bodies towards evolving an enduring strategy on space science and geomantics.

To this end, a two-Day meeting for the validation of the regional strategy on space science and geomatics began at the ECOWAS Commission on the 18^th of October 2017.

Declaring the Meeting open, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture Prof. Hamidou Boly urged the participants to ensure that a workable regional space strategy is developed as this would impact positively on the idea of a greater integration of West Africa.

He stated that the validation of the regional roadmap on space science and geomatics is essential as part of the framework of knowledge for the necessary solidarity and cooperation needed now to facilitate the ECOWAS peace keeping efforts and the promotion of development in all areas.

Chair of the session and head, Cadastral Mapping and Urban Space Applications of the Nigerian National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr. Matthew Adepoju noted that the basis of the meeting was also to harmonize the necessary data and make maximum use of the cooperation with space development partners.

He disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ECOWAS and NASRDA to “create the necessary awareness among all the partnering institutions and improve the life of the population in West Africa”

The Head of Division, ECOWAS’ Department of Education, Science and Culture Mr. Roland Kouakou gave explanations about the concept note and agenda of the meeting.

The meeting also featured presentations on the ECOWAS strategy on space science, regional roadmap as well as the proposed projects for implementation.

As conceived, the current effort is meant to drive the space policy framework already on hand and also push for its domestication.

The validation meeting is part of efforts to facilitate the plan for the implementation of the ECOWAS Policy on Science and Technology (ECOPOST)