Côte d’Ivoire Joins Artemis Accords to Advance Space Cooperation
NASA
- Côte d’Ivoire has become the 75th signatory to the Artemis Accords.
- The agreement underscores a commitment to peaceful, responsible, and transparent space exploration.
Signing and Significance
- The signing ceremony took place in Abidjan during the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX) 2026, with Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adama Diawara signing on behalf of the nation.
- NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson stated that the move expands bilateral cooperation from Earth-based efforts into deep space exploration.
- Tidiane Outtara, Director General of the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire, noted that the accession is a milestone for both his nation and the African Union.
Background and Principles
- Since 2019, Côte d’Ivoire has collaborated with NASA on geodetic networks and Earth observation; the nation subsequently established its own space agency in 2025.
- Established in 2020, the Artemis Accords provide a framework for nations to coordinate lunar and planetary missions through the following commitments:
- Conducting exploration peaceably and transparently.
- Providing aid to partners in need.
- Ensuring the open access of scientific data.
- Preventing interference with other nations' space activities.
- Preserving historically significant sites and artifacts.