By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The Regional Centre for
Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has called for stronger
China-Africa cooperation to ensure that satellite Earth observation data,
skills and technologies are translated into practical solutions that address
Africa’s development priorities.
RCMRD, which serves as the
secretariat of AfriGEO, is participating in the China-Africa Cooperation Centre
on Satellite Remote Sensing Application (CACSA) Symposium in Beijing, held
under the theme, “Intelligent Earth Observation Empowering China-Africa,
Win-Win Cooperation Forging a New Chapter.”
The centre used the
symposium to highlight opportunities for deeper collaboration between African
and Chinese institutions, building on an existing institutional foundation that
includes a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between RCMRD and the Chinese Land
Satellite Remote Sensing Application Centre (LASAC).
RCMRD also pointed to the
complementary continental reach of its network and AfriGEO as an important
platform for strengthening cooperation and expanding the use of Earth
observation applications across Africa.
At the symposium, RCMRD
identified five key areas for collaboration, including reliable and reusable
access to satellite data, joint training and skills development, and the
development of solutions tailored to African priorities.
The organisation also
emphasised the importance of moving research and pilot projects into practical
services and connecting successful national solutions to regional networks so
they can be adapted and scaled across the continent.
According to RCMRD, Africa’s
Earth observation potential depends not only on access to satellite data, but
also on the ability of institutions to develop the skills and applications
required to turn that data into practical value.
The centre said the
opportunity extends beyond technology transfer, requiring sustained
partnerships that connect data, institutions, skills and applications to
deliver solutions that can support development across Africa.
