The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI and the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA have strengthen their collaboration on their joint efforts at advancing the African Space Economy.
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Emeka Obegolu, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, congratulated him on his appointment.
Dr Obegolu described Dr Adepoju’s appointment as timely and well-deserved, commending his significant contributions as Co-chair of the Planning Committee for the inaugural African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition, ASE in 2023.
According to him, “Your leadership during the maiden ASE reinforced our confidence in your ability to steer NASRDA toward new milestones. The partnership between ACCI and NASRDA is a strong example of how public and private sector collaboration can drive innovation and economic development.”
The ACCI President also lauded NASRDA’s initiative in establishing its commercial arm, encouraging the agency to register it as a member of the Chamber.
He further urged Dr Adepoju to inspire other government agencies to foster deeper collaboration with the private sector.
Ahead of the second edition of the ASE, scheduled for June 17–18, 2025, with the theme “Space Economy and Emerging Trends in Africa,” Dr Obegolu proposed finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the next few weeks.
He also advocated for an independent framework to institutionalize the event, ensuring sustainability under future ACCI and NASRDA leadership.
“We need to mobilize resources, promote the ASE, and attract more business-oriented stakeholders to unlock the immense potential of the space economy. Collaboration is key, and both our legal teams should work together to establish a special purpose vehicle to drive this initiative,” the ACCI boss added.
Chairman of the ASE Planning Committee and former ACCI Vice President for ICT, Mr Osi Imomoh, emphasized the significance of the conference as a transformative platform for Africa’s space industry.
He proposed the creation of a ₦10 million annual seed fund from each partner, the ACCI and NASRDA to ensure the event’s sustainability and growth.
Responding, the Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju expressed his gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to the ASE and its broader goal of advancing Nigeria’s space economy.
He pledged to release NASRDA’s ₦10 million contribution to the ASE seed fund once the agency’s budget is accessed.
Dr Adepoju outlined a three-point agenda for NASRDA to include transforming the agency into a globally competitive institution, empowering its workforce, and integrating private sector participation to drive growth in the space sector.
“The collaboration between NASRDA and ACCI is pivotal to achieving our shared objectives. I am committed to ensuring the success of the ASE and positioning Nigeria as a global player in the space economy,” Dr Adepoju said.
He also emphasized the need to institutionalize the ASE as a self-sustaining initiative jointly managed by NASRDA and ACCI.
Olusola Akintonde
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