4 days ago
Namibia is set to draft a new space bill
Namibia's Cabinet has authorized the drafting of a historic Space Science and Technology Bill, marking a major step forward in the country's scientific and innovative future.
Namibia's Cabinet approved the drafting of a Space Science and Technology Bill to establish a legislative framework for the space sector.
The bill aligns space-related activities with the country's socioeconomic growth programs, focusing on research, education, and sustainability.
It builds on Namibia's 2021 Space Science and Technology Policy and outlines objectives for using space technology in various sectors.
The bill is intended to create a well-organized legislative framework that will govern and direct the nation's space industry aspirations.
Unveiled by Namibia's Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus, the bill also aims to match the country's space science programs with more general objectives for socioeconomic growth.
It seeks to guarantee that space-related endeavors, such as research, education, innovation, and environmental sustainability, significantly advance the nation's goal.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture is set to prepare the bill before it is formally approved by Cabinet.
Once approved, it will provide the nation's expanding interest in space technology a legislative foundation.
This legislative action is not happening independently; it expands on Namibia's Space Science and Technology Policy, which was issued in June 2021 and outlined a strategic vision for the country's space future.
This strategy outlined national objectives for exploiting space-based technology in key sectors such as education, research, and environmental, as reported by Space in Africa.
Furthermore, in March 2024, the National Commission for Research, Science, and Technology formed the second National Space Science Council to act as a technical and consultative council.
Professionals with backgrounds in astronomy, law, electrical engineering, information and communication technology, and geographic information systems make up the council. The council will serve until March 2027.
Building upon the previously approved strategy, the proposed law aims to establish Namibia as a major player in the international space sector.
