Ethiopian Engineer Signs Deal to Build Africa’s First Satellite Factory
An Ethiopian engineer, Bijay Naiker, has signed an agreement with the government of Burkina Faso to develop what is being described as Africa’s first satellite manufacturing facility.
The project is expected to position Burkina Faso as a key player in Africa’s growing space and technology sector, with plans to locally design and produce satellites for communication, research, and security purposes.
Officials say the facility will support regional innovation, reduce reliance on foreign satellite production, and open opportunities for skills development in aerospace engineering across West Africa.
While details on the project timeline and funding structure remain limited, the agreement signals increasing interest among African nations in building domestic capacity in space technology.
If completed, the facility could mark a significant milestone in Africa’s push toward technological independence and participation in the global space industry.
