Côte d’Ivoire has signed the Artemis Accords in Abidjan, becoming the ninth African nation and the 75th country globally to join the United States-led framework for peaceful and responsible civil space exploration.
The agreement was formalized on September 24, 2026, during the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX 2026) held in the nation’s largest city. Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, signed the accord on behalf of Côte d’Ivoire, while Junaid Munir, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy, witnessed the ceremony for the U.S. Department of State.
Abidjan Ceremony and International Partnership Expansion
Hosting the signing ceremony during a continental space gathering on domestic soil underscores the country’s ambition to position itself as a central convening hub for the African space sector. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson emphasized the collaborative shift from terrestrial projects to extraterrestrial exploration.
“The United States and Côte d’Ivoire already cooperate on Earth. Today, we expand that partnership beyond it. Joining the Artemis Accords opens new opportunities for our scientists, engineers, and institutions to work together as humanity returns to the Moon and prepares for what comes next. We’ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities are in front of us. And now we can get to work.”
Matt Anderson, NASA Deputy Administrator, via Mirage News and Space in Africa
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Director General of the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire (ASCI), highlighted the broader regional significance of the milestone. He stated that the signing is a great achievement, noting its importance for both national ambitions and the wider African Union membership.
Evolution from Earth Observation to Space Governance
The signature formalizes a technical relationship with the United States that began years prior. Since 2019, the National Office of Technical Development of Côte d’Ivoire and NASA have partnered on Earth observation and geodesy—the scientific discipline measuring Earth’s shape, gravity, and movement. These joint efforts have advanced global geodetic networks and refined space-based measurement techniques.
To coordinate these expanding national efforts in astronomy, satellite navigation, communications, and space weather, the country established the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.
- Exploring space peaceably and transparently
- Rendering emergency assistance to personnel in distress
- Enabling open access to scientific data
- Ensuring activities do not interfere with other nations
- Preserving historically significant sites and artifacts through best practices
Expanding African Participation in the Artemis Coalition
Côte d’Ivoire’s entry follows closely behind Djibouti, which became the eighth African signatory on September 14, 2026. African engagement within the framework has accelerated notably throughout 2026. Nigeria and Rwanda initially joined in December 2022, followed by Angola in November 2023 and Senegal in July 2025. Four additional nations—Morocco, Botswana, Mauritius, and Djibouti—signed during the first nine months of 2026.
With Côte d’Ivoire securing the ninth spot, African nations now account for approximately 12% of the 75 total signatories in the coalition. The overarching framework was originally established in 2020 by NASA and the U.S. State Department alongside seven founding nations to establish practical guidelines for civil activities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond amid growing commercial and governmental lunar interest.
