Senegal launches ActInSpace Hackathon to boost youth innovation in space technologies
Date: 2026-02-04
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) has officially opened the ActInSpace
international hackathon, bringing together young talents to develop innovative
solutions using space technologies. The 24-hour event, organized in
collaboration with the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) of France and
the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to foster creativity and technological
innovation for national development.
The
opening ceremony, led by ASES Director General Maram Kaire, also featured the
signing of a framework agreement with host university Université Rose Dieng
France-Sénégal, strengthening academic and institutional partnerships to
support the growth of Senegal’s space ecosystem.
The
event involves several educational institutions, including Université Amadou
Mahtar MBOW, Dakar American University of Science and Technology (DAUST), École
Supérieure Polytechnique de Dakar, Groupe SupDeco Dakar, École Polytechnique
Thiès, and Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima Niass, as well as the Air
Force School.
Supported
by the Data Governance in Africa (#D4DataGov) initiative, funded by the
European Union and implemented by Expertise France, ActInSpace underscores
Senegal’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and advancing
technological innovation.
