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Djibouti has entered into a technological partnership with the Chinese company Hong Kong Aerospace Technology to build a $1 billion satellite and rocket launch facility in the country.
The partnership will see the launch of the first Africa-made satellite from African soil, as the black continent currently has no active rocket launch site.
The agreement was signed by Djibouti’s president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, in the presence of a delegation from Hong Kong Aerospace Technology, including the company’s vice president Allen Fung. The project would last five years, with construction expected to be completed by 2027.
The Djibouti President stated that the deal calls for the full handover of the constructed infrastructure to Djibouti after 30 years of co-management.
The project also involves building an international-standard port and highway in Obock’s northern region to transport materials required to develop aerospace sites.
President Guelleh expressed his utmost excitement for the project.
“I am proud to announce a prior technology partnership agreement with Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group for the design and operation of satellite and rocket launch pads in Djibouti…I am delighted to see our country commit to this promising technological and energy development project…”
The Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group, which focuses on satellite network engineering and precise satellite manufacturing, claims to be Hong Kong’s first commercial aerospace enterprise.
The company owns five technical hubs and manufacturing facilities, including a satellite manufacturing hub and a satellite data hub.
Hu Bin, the Chinese ambassador, further appreciated the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group for their cooperation.
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