African Women in Space Conference 2027
Beyond Limits, Beyond Borders
About this edition
AWiSC 2027 returns for its second landmark edition as a flagship continental convening of African Women in Space (AWIS), hosted in partnership with Women in Space Kenya (WiSK) as the founding pioneer chapter and local implementing partner. This premier two-day gathering brings together Africa's leading space industry experts, innovators, researchers, policymakers, government officials, space agencies, investors, founders and students to connect, exchange ideas, forge partnerships and advance women's inclusion and leadership across space science, technology, innovation and governance.
- Raise awareness of the role of space science in solving Africa's socio-economic and environmental challenges.
- Foster cross-sector collaboration among governments, academia, start-ups, and civil society.
- Showcase African innovations and entrepreneurial ventures applying space technology.
- Advance gender inclusion by highlighting women's contributions and pathways to equity in the space sector.
- Contribute to policy and institutional frameworks supporting Africa's space ecosystem.
- Inspire youth and early-career professionals through mentorship, pitching opportunities, and career development.
- Formally launch the Women in Space Policy as a guiding instrument for the sector.
- Strengthen continental cohesion through engagement with 20+ African space agencies and partners.
Date
March 25-26, 2027 - Nairobi, Kenya
Venue
Nairobi, Kenya
What we're exploring
AI & Innovation in Space Technologies
How artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies are reshaping space missions, data analytics and satellite applications across Africa.
Local, Continental & International Partnerships & Global Frameworks
Mapping bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities between African space actors and global space powers.
Gender Mainstreaming in Space Institutions
Practical frameworks and policy tools for embedding gender equity within space agencies, regulatory bodies, and space-adjacent industries.
Research, Innovation & Academic Partnerships
Building pan-African collaborations in astrophysics, aerospace engineering, and geospatial science.
Youth, Education & Workforce Development
Pathways from secondary school to space agencies; academic and vocational training opportunities; inspiring the next generation.
Space Policy & Governance
Contributing to continental and national space policy landscapes, with the landmark launch of WiSK's Space Policy.
What happens on the ground
Keynotes
High-profile addresses on AI, satellite applications, data-driven development, and African-led space innovation featuring diverse voices across seniority levels and geographies.
Panel Discussions
Moderated conversations on space policy, global partnerships, entrepreneurship, and real-world applications of space technology.
Gender Mainstreaming Workshop
Practical tools for embedding gender equity within space agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry, from mentorship models to inclusive hiring frameworks.
Paper Presentations & Innovation Pitches
Held each afternoon across both days: a platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to present original work, innovations, and solutions to Africa's space challenges.
Experientials & Technology Showcase
A dedicated exhibition zone showcasing innovations, projects, technologies, and partnerships from across Africa and beyond.
- Virtual Reality Space Missions
- Model Rocket Building & Demonstrations
- Planetarium Dome Shows
- Space Quiz Competitions
- Career Exploration Corners hosted by space agencies, universities, and tech firms
Speed Mentorship & Networking
Fast-paced, structured sessions connecting students and young professionals with seasoned mentors and experts from the public and private sectors, a signature Women in Space experience. Includes the formal public launch of the African Women in Space Policy on Day 2.
AWiSC Awards Gala Dinner & Closing Ceremony
The flagship closing event of AWiSC 2027: a formal gala dinner honouring trailblazing women across industry domains, areas of expertise, and career stages, celebrating excellence, resilience, and impact in Africa's space sector.
What to expect
Day 1
25th March 2027Delegate Registration & Networking
Opening Ceremony
Welcome remarks, National Anthem, and WiSK Leadership address.
Keynote: AI & Innovation in Space Technologies
Keynote address followed by panel discussion.
Space Conversations I
Cross-Sector Partnerships for Africa's Space Economy.
Lunch Break & Networking
Paper Presentations & Innovation Pitches
Exhibitions, Experientials & Technology Showcase
Open floor.
Day 1 Wrap-Up & Announcements
Day 2
26th March 2027Keynote: Space Conversations II
International Partnerships & Global Collaboration Frameworks.
Gender Mainstreaming Workshop
Panel Discussion
Launch: Women in Space Policy
Formal unveiling.
Lunch Break
Paper Presentations & Innovation Pitches
Closing Ceremony
Communiqué and conference close, preparation for the gala dinner.
AWiSC Awards Gala Dinner & Closing Ceremony
Cocktail reception and networking, awards ceremony recognizing nominated women across industry domains, gala dinner.
What success looks like
- Increased awareness and visibility of Africa's space industry across media, academia and the international space community.
- Formal launch and dissemination of the Women in Space Policy, influencing national and continental space governance.
- New partnerships formed between at least 20 institutions across the space ecosystem, spanning public, private and academic sectors.
- Exposure of 15+ investment-ready start-ups to potential funders and strategic partners.
- Recognition of trailblazing women and mentors through the AWiSC Awards Programme.
- A post-conference report with policy recommendations, partnership agreements, and mentorship outcomes published within 60 days.
- Growth in student and youth participation in space and STEM initiatives, tracked through post-event follow-up.
Who this is for
Students & Youth
Learn, network, explore space careers and present innovations.
Professionals & Entrepreneurs
Showcase innovations, connect with investors and industry leaders.
Educators & Researchers
Share knowledge, publish findings, and build collaborative partnerships.
Government & Policymakers
Shape and gather insights for national and continental space strategies.
African Space Agencies
20+ agencies represented, co-creating a unified African space agenda.
International Delegates
Global partners and organizations pursuing African market and space partnerships.
Showcase your work on the expo floor
A dedicated exhibition zone open across the conference, in front of delegates, policymakers and investors.
Local Exhibitor Booth (2 days)
3m x 3m space, 2 chairs and a table. Booth-specific branding available at select sponsorship tiers.
International Company Booth (2 days)
3m x 3m space, 2 chairs and a table. Booth-specific branding available at select sponsorship tiers.
Partner with AWISC
Align your brand with Africa's most ambitious women-in-space platform.
Title Sponsor
As Title Sponsor of AWiSC 2027, your organization steps into a legacy-defining role at the forefront of Africa's space future: a public commitment that your investment signals to the continent and the world that your organization does not just observe Africa's space revolution, it leads it, and pioneers women's full and equal participation.
- Exclusive title naming rights: AWiSC 2027 Presented by [Your Organization]
- Premier logo placement on all conference materials, signage, stage backdrop, and digital platforms
- Full-page profile in the conference programme booklet
- Thought leadership: keynote speaking opportunity
- Complimentary exhibition booth for both days
Platinum Sponsor
As Platinum Sponsor, your organization plants its flag at the frontier of Africa's most ambitious space and innovation platform, aligning your brand with the policymakers, agency directors and tech leaders shaping the continent's space future, and declaring that the most transformative breakthroughs happen when women lead.
- Prominent logo placement across all conference materials, stage, and digital platforms
- Half-page profile in the conference programme booklet
- Brand feature across AWiSC social media channels pre-, during, and post-conference
- Branded segment at a plenary or high-level session
- Speaking opportunity at a main plenary session
Gold Sponsor
As Gold Sponsor, your organization positions itself at the heart of Africa's fastest-growing space ecosystem, gaining direct access to researchers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers driving the continent's satellite, geospatial and space technology agenda, powered by the full talent and ambition of African women.
- Logo placement on selected conference materials, signage, and digital platforms
- Quarter-page profile in the conference programme booklet
- Brand feature across AWiSC social media channels during conference week
- Speaking opportunity in a breakout session
- Seat at the High-Level Breakfast with ministers and agency directors (Day 2)
Silver Sponsor
As Silver Sponsor, your organization invests in the pipelines, networks, and communities of practice that sustain Africa's long-term space competitiveness, from STEM education and research partnerships to industry-ready talent and cross-sector collaboration.
- Logo placement on selected conference materials and digital platforms
- Social media feature during conference week
- Speaking opportunity in a breakout session
- Seat at the High-Level Breakfast (Day 2)
- Reserved seats at the AWiSC Awards Gala Dinner
Bronze Sponsor
As Bronze Sponsor, your organization joins a growing coalition of industry leaders who understand that Africa's space sector is one of the world's most exciting emerging frontiers, and that its full potential is only unlocked when every voice, especially women's, is in the room.
- Logo placement on selected conference materials and digital platforms
- Social media acknowledgement during conference week
- Reserved seats at the AWiSC Awards Gala Dinner
- Complimentary delegate passes
- Summary post-conference report
Become a partner
From in-kind support to media partnerships, there are several ways organizations can partner with AWIS beyond sponsorship.
Explore Partnership OptionsMoments from the room
