Addis Ababa-
At the 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa, Ms Fatimé Hamat Daoussa was elected as the final member of the African Space Council for a four-year term, securing 48 votes out of a possible 49. Ms Daoussa currently serves as the Airport and Meteorological Investments Director at Chad’s Ministry of Transport, Civic Aviation and National Meteorology. Her election completes the composition of the African Space Council, fulfilling the statutory requirement of ten members and ensuring regional and gender balance, as outlined in the Statutes of the African Space Agency.
The Chadian delegation was represented by H.E. Mr. Mahamat Ali Hassan, Ambassador of Chad to Ethiopia, on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad. During the same session, the Executive Council examined the reports from the Panel of Eminent Africans responsible for vetting candidates and a report from the Bureau of the Executive Council. Of the 13 candidates submitted initially, the Council retained only the one who secured at least 70% of member state votes. The Council also encouraged the Central African region to continue consultations to nominate a female candidate for future Council rotations, supporting broader gender parity efforts across AU institutions.
African Space Council Composition and Mandate
With Ms. Daoussa’s election, the African Space Council now comprises ten members:
H.E. Dr Tidiane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire) – President
Dr Rakiya Babamaaji (Nigeria) – Vice President
Thandikile Chisala Mbvundula (Malawi)
Dr Lisho Mundia (Namibia)
Amal Layachi (Morocco)
Aboubaker Hassan Ali (Djibouti)
Dr Éliane Ubalijoro (Rwanda)
Amin Mestar (Algeria)
Fernand Guy Isseri (Cameroon)
Ms Fatimé Hamat Daoussa (Chad)
The Council’s primary mission is to advance the operationalisation of the African Space Agency, which will begin operations soon. The Council will also be responsible for coordinating the activities of the African Space Agency, guiding continental space policymaking, allocating resources, overseeing regulations, and managing African space industry stakeholders, including governments and international partners, to facilitate favourable partnerships in space science and technology.
Furthermore, the Council will ensure that investments align strategically with continental objectives, including those outlined in Africa 2063, prioritising advancements in space exploration, research, technology, and indigenous capacity development. Moreover, the African Space Council will facilitate collaboration in space exploration and research through local, regional, continental, and international cooperation, promoting mutual benefits and peaceful endeavours for all Africans.
