Kenya is set to host the Kenya Space Innovation and Investment Forum (KSIIF) 2025 in December, an event expected to underline the growing importance of space technologies in driving economic development across the country and the wider African region.
The forum, which will run from 9–10 December 2025 at The Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, is anchored on the theme “Unlocking the Value of Space Technologies for Economic Transformation.” It brings together government institutions, researchers, innovators, international agencies and private-sector actors to examine how space-based solutions can address Kenya’s economic and social challenges.
Space technology as an economic tool
Organisers say the discussions are timely, coming as Kenya battles high youth unemployment and searches for new avenues of growth.
“We need to broaden the sectors that can absorb Kenya’s young workforce, Space technologies offer practical tools for agriculture, climate resilience, health systems and infrastructure — all areas central to economic transformation,” Victor Otieno, Managing Director – VIFFA Consult, says.
The forum will assess how Earth Observation (EO) data and satellite technologies can support national priorities such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
What makes the forum significant
Unlike previous science-focused gatherings, KSIIF 2025 positions space technology as a mainstream economic resource rather than a niche technical field. Experts argue that its relevance is becoming increasingly visible.
“Space is no longer about rockets; it’s about data that guides farming, disaster response, urban planning and security,” said a Kenya Space Agency representative. “Understanding these capabilities is becoming essential for policymakers and investors.”
The forum will explore gaps in policy, regulation, financing and skills development that continue to slow down Africa’s emerging space sector.
Inside the 2025 agenda
KSIIF will feature several tracks, including:
- Investment in Space Innovation, focusing on financing models for space-related startups.
- Communities of Practice in climate action, defence, agriculture, astronomy and health systems.
- The 9th Africa Space Generation Workshop, which brings young Africans together to discuss the continent’s space future.
- Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEOC), a platform identifying new solutions using satellite data for sectors such as food security and mining.
The AEOC finalists will pitch their innovations during the forum, offering insights into how African startups are applying space technologies to everyday problems.
Who is expected to attend
The event will convene stakeholders from government agencies, universities, global development partners, defence sectors, private investors and tech innovators. The organisers emphasise that such cross-sector conversations are critical to understanding the continent’s preparedness for a space-enabled economy.
Analysts say Kenya’s space ecosystem — still in its early stages — is at a defining moment. With demand growing for accurate climate data, smarter urban planning, and resource management tools, the country is increasingly turning to satellite-driven solutions.
The question now is whether Kenya can build the policy systems, investment environment and skills pipeline needed to fully benefit from space technologies.
