The International Conference on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Technologies and Applications for the Development of Sub-Saharan African Countries took place in May 2013. The conference was organized in the frame of the FP7 project: “Disseminating Knowledge on EGNOS and Galileo in Africa”, Awareness in Africa (AiA)¹.

The conference promoted the development of innovative ideas and new products related to the GNSS technologies and applications for Africa. Its aim was also to present the African technological and scientific skills that have a clear potential for the development of GNSS and EGNOS products and services/applications.

The conference attracted excellent participation from universities, government bodies and local enterprises. It brought relevant participants from the public institutions and the private sector. It highlighted the benefits of the GNSS technologies. Many key players from EU industry attended the event. The opening session was shared by M. Cheikh Bamba DIEYE, Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, a representative of the European Union delegation in Senegal, a representative of the General Director of ASECNA and M. Mohamadou SAIBOU (Director of ESMT, African Telecommunications Higher School).

At this occasion, the attractive and growing GNSS market in African countries was presented to EU industry. EU and African industries discussed on the cooperation opportunities in the deployment of satellite technology in Sub-Saharan African regions.

At the market session, the African companies presented the up-to-date information on GNSS applications/industrial opportunities in the African context and they had actively interacted with participants. The company SKYLIZ Connect presented the African GNSS Market status and the opportunities for collaboration with the European companies working in GNSS field. Mrs. Marta Krywanis- Brzostowska from the European GNSS Agency highlighted the need to foster and promote African technical competences that have a clear potential for providing useful products and services through EGNOS and Galileo services.

“The GNSS technologies and its applications are the key important technologies that African countries need for its development” said M. Cheikh Bamba DIEYE, Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy. “The Senegalese Government through the policy implemented by his President, Macky SALL, actively supports the initiatives of the deployment of the GNSS technologies which impact is important for the innovation and the growth of Senegalese industries”.

Conferences like that one in Dakar are helping creation of local and regional networks of GNSS experienced users and increasing the users of GNSS applications. One of the outcomes was a positive collaboration between the African industry and university students: “As you know, the Government of His Excellency Macky Sall registered the education and the research as a national priority with a commitment to support the vital area of science and technology. Therefore, the "Awareness in Africa" has come at the right time to allow the vital sectors of our economy to enter fully into the area of technology transfer and mastered and instil leadership of our youth in the appropriation of tools. This will definitely bring our country in the group of emerging countries” said the Senegalese representative of the Ministry of Research and Education.

The Dakar meeting also featured the Best African Student Paper Award 2013 for the best academic papers submitted to the conference by African students. 26 Scientifics and industrials papers were submitted in the frame of this competition and 18 papers were accepted for publication in the AiA Conference Proceedings document. They are published in the project website www.gnss4africa.eu.

The first prize of the Best African Student Paper Award 2013 was won by Mrs Aïcha Fidélia DIALLA, student at ESMT, African Telecommunications Higher School.

The ‘Awareness in Africa’ (AiA) project team created a strong network of European and African stakeholders ready to work closely on the implementation of satellite navigation technologies in Africa sub-Saharan countries. AiA project is making a real difference because of the real mobilisation of the local government, enterprises, academics, and many GNSS experts from African Diaspora.

For more information on the international conference and AiA activities, contact the project Coordinator Dr. Guy TANONKOU at tanonkou@acsal-science.org.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website.

More information

EGNOS Portal: http://www.egnos-portal.eu

AiA Coordination Contact:  www.gnss4africa.eu

___________________________________________

⁽¹⁾Disseminating Knowledge on EGNOS and Galileo in Africa to Foster Local Development (AiA)” EC Grant Agreement N° 287216