Space industry players should consider targeting the emerging government opportunity in MEA

Countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) vary widely in terms of their presence and activities in space. Those that already have a presence in space are looking to diversify and solidify their space industries, while those with limited access to space are focusing on improving their space capabilities and using new applications to improve disaster response capabilities, enhance land management plans and enable services such as rural connectivity and telemedicine.

Government spending on space in MEA as a whole is expected to grow by 33.9% year-on-year in 2024, according to Analysys Mason’s Government spending on space 2024. Indeed, the government budget for space-related activities is USD1.01 billion for 2024. Spending in the region will be led by satellite communications efforts in the UAE, which include plans to shrink the digital divide, carry out Earth observation missions and further develop space-related technology.