From Satellites to Solutions - Why Earth Observation Matters for Africa
- mbalzyeni
- Jul 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Author: Asante Nxumalo
What is Earth Observation (EO) and why should we care?
Somewhere above you right now, a satellite is silently passing overhead. It’s not just beaming TV signals or GPS—it’s capturing images of the Earth. Now more than ever before, satellites are watching, measuring, and recording the Earth in ways we never could before. This is the world of Earth Observation (EO)—and it’s more relevant to our lives and businesses than most people realise.
Earth Observation (EO) refers to the gathering of information about our planet’s surface using satellites, drones, and other remote sensors. It is like having a powerful camera in the sky—one that sees beyond clouds and borders. With EO data, we can monitor land degradation, detect flooding, map forest cover, measure soil health, monitor air quality, and much more.
Experts in Earth observation are collaborating with end-users to implement Earth observation insights in support of global environmental and societal policy. A significant opportunity exists to address practical sustainability challenges in South Africa, and the African continent as a whole, by bringing together earth observation data and socio-economic information in a manner that creates systems and models that improve human and environmental conditions. Effective collaboration between business, and scientific researchers in space technology agencies has the potential to advance climate science for a sustainable future.
By the year 2035, it is anticipated that the space economy will have expanded considerably, reaching a valuation of £1.4 trillion, according to data provided by the World Economic Forum. This figure represents a substantial increase from the £500 billion valuation recorded in 2023, indicating a period of rapid and significant growth within the sector. This projected expansion is largely attributable to notable progress in satellite technology, encompassing areas such as enhanced communication capabilities, improved Earth observation, and more precise navigation systems.
However, despite the tremendous economic opportunity that this presents, “Business leaders still need education on what Earth Observation data can do for them.” - a statement from former NASA Earth Science leader Dr. Brian Killough. In particular, many business leaders are asking, “What is being measured, and how do I infuse it into my business? We are just beginning to unlock the huge potential of this treasure trove of insight” (EY,2023)
Effective collaboration between business, and scientific researchers in space technology agencies has the potential to advance climate science for a sustainable future. We posit that it is not a lack of space-specific know-how that hinders a mainstream implementation of space-based technologies, but rather, a lack of skills in data management, analytics and artificial intelligence. We posit further that amongst the biggest obstacles to activating the ecosystem is a lack of effective knowledge exchange in partnerships. For instance, leveraging the EO data and other space-based technologies for non-space industries to incorporate in their business models.
Earth Observation is no longer the domain of scientists in lab coats or engineers in mission control. It’s becoming a daily tool for decision-makers, governments, businesses, and communities across Africa. And it’s happening now. The world is changing—climate shocks are becoming more frequent, urban growth is accelerating, and natural resources are under pressure. In this context, having timely, objective, high-quality data isn’t just help—it’s essential.
From a mayor planning drainage systems in a flood-prone city, to a farmer deciding when to plant, to a conservationist tracking deforestation, the power of EO lies in its ability to show what’s happening, where it’s happening, and how it’s changing over time.
It’s also becoming more accessible than ever. With platforms like Digital Earth Africa, and local institutions like SANSA, SAEON, and the Agricultural Research Council, African stakeholders no longer have to sit on the sidelines of the space revolution. They can use EO to plan, adapt, and act with greater clarity and confidence.
At Allegro, we believe this is one of the most exciting frontiers for the continent. That’s why we’re actively exploring ways to integrate Earth Observation into our work—helping partners and clients unlock insight from above to drive better decisions on the ground.
Whether its agriculture, climate resilience, infrastructure, or conservation, we see EO as a vital tool for building the Africa of the future. One that is smarter, more sustainable, and deeply informed.
So keep watching this space—literally. Some of the most important breakthroughs in solving Africa’s biggest challenges may be coming not from the ground, but from above.
References list:
EY – How can the vantage of space give you a strategic advantage on Earth?https://www.ey.com/en_za/insights/technology/how-can-the-vantage-of-space-give-you-strategic-advantage-on-earth
Digital Earth Africa
https://digitalearthafrica.org/en_za/
Infrastructure News – Addressing Earth Observation data barriers in Africa with Digital Earth Africa and the Open Data Cube
SANSA (South African National Space Agency) – Earth Observation Services
https://www.sansa.org.za/products-and-services/earth-observation/
SANSA Newsroom – Digital Earth South Africa and SANSA Collaboration
https://www.sansa.org.za/2023/05/12816/
SAEON (South African Environmental Observation Network)https://www.saeon.ac.za/
University of Pretoria – Research Focus: Earth Observation
ARC (Agricultural Research Council) – Earth Observation
https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-iscw/Pages/Earth-Observation.aspx
Poland in Space – Polish astronaut experiments with resilient yeast in space
https://tvpworld.com/85989698/polish-astronaut-in-experiment-to-help-humans-grow-food-on-mars
SpaceNews – KP Labs' Intuition-1 satellite to use AI for real-time Earth analysis
OECD – Africapolis: Urbanisation dynamics in Africa
https://www.oecd.org/regional/africapolis/
Project Alizeti (Kenya) – Smallholder EO pilot
13. European Space Agency
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