The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has formally invited His Excellency, Ambassador Jonathan Ojadah, Global President of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) and Chairman of its Supreme Council, as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the third Africa Space Economy, Innovation and Communication Conference (ASEICC 2026).
According to an official invitation letter dated 22nd October, 2026, with Reference No: NASDRA/13, and signed by the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Prof. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, the prestigious continental conference is scheduled to hold from 24th to 27th November, 2026, at the Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.
The letter confirmed that the grand event will be officially declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Space Council, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will also be joined by the President of the Republic of Rwanda as Special Guest of Honour, marking a historic convergence of African leadership on space development.
The conference, themed "Harnessing Space Economy, Driving Innovation, Connecting Africa's Future," seeks to advance Africa's space economy, promote international cooperation, and inspire the next generation of African innovators and space enthusiasts.
In the invitation, NASRDA specifically requested Ambassador Ojadah to deliver a goodwill message at the main event and serve as the keynote speaker at the astronaut session, a special segment designed to engage and inspire young Africans through direct interactions with astronauts and seasoned space professionals.
Prof. Adepoju noted that with over 30 Director-Generals and Chief Executive Officers of African Space Agencies already confirmed, alongside 10 additional Heads of Space Agencies and international organisations from across the globe, ASEICC 2026 represents one of the most significant gatherings of space leadership ever convened on the African continent.
The Conference is expected to host over 1,500 high-level delegates, including Ministers, Ambassadors, Heads of Government Agencies, Development Partners, Investors, Industry Leaders, Academia, Commercial Space Companies, Satellite Operators, Earth Observation Companies, AI, Robotics and Geospatial Technology Companies, Universities and Research Institutions, Startups, and International Development Partners.
To maximise impact, the organisers revealed that a Dedicated Opportunity Engagement Platform has been carefully designed where governments, investors, industry leaders, innovators, and technology providers can identify business opportunities, negotiate strategic partnerships, showcase cutting-edge solutions, and accelerate business growth across Africa.
The agency further requested Ambassador Ojadah to nominate two Director-level representatives to ensure adequate institutional representation and meaningful engagement in strategic discussions, business networking and partnership opportunities, while seeking his early confirmation to enable appropriate protocol arrangements.
Ambassador Ojadah, a highly accomplished diplomat, international trade specialist and global peace advocate, serves as the Global President of UNIPGC and has built an exemplary record of fostering high-level economic partnerships across Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and Canada, with recognitions including the United States President's Lifetime Achievement Award.
His invitation to share the keynote stage with President Bola Tinubu and President Paul Kagame at ASEICC 2026 further cements his rising profile as a leading voice in diplomacy, innovation-driven development, and Africa's strategic positioning in the global space economy.
