The Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition has opened in Abuja with experts brainstorming on the way out of Nigeria’s security challenges, leveraging space technology.
The three-day conference with the theme, Exploring Space Economy for Africa’s Economic Growth, brought together public and private sector operators in security and space technology from across the world.
The conference served to explore the profound impacts of space technology for Africa’s economic growth, with greater emphasis on the aspect of security.
One of the companies exhibiting at the on-going conference is Proforce Galaxies – an indigenous solution provider to myriad of new security challenges confronting the country through the application of integrated intelligent solutions, surveillance and other security services.
The Business Development Manager, Proforce Galaxies, Mr. Raymond Asare-Sintim, who spoke to The Guardian at the opening of the exhibition, Monday, explained that the company was an offshoot of the Proforce Group.
According to him, Proforce Limited started 15 years ago and has delved into different aspects of defense by looking at the whole security challenges and proffering necessary solutions.
Asare-Sintim said that Proforce as a private organization has delved into different areas of defense in terms of manufacturing of hardware such as Armored Vehicles, Drones, Electronic warfare equipment and various defense equipment.
“Proforce Galaxies is the space arm of the Proforce Group because space is a vital area that is required for providing real time surveillance and guiding the military and all security agencies to be able to tackle the challenges at hand.
“We will soon launch our private sector Satellite and it will be the first private sector-driven Satellite in Nigeria. We are doing this in collaboration with NASRDA and other foreign partners.”
Speaking about the conference and what the company has brought to bear, he stated that the company has earlier disclosed how to use space technology to solve different problems in terms of border security, territory surveillance, identifying enemies’ root and pattern, where they operate from as well as providing real time communication with the troop in the field.
“This is very important because when you go to the battle field, you will discover that some of the masts providing telecommunication has been destroyed. So, we have a system that is able to give real time communication that installed on vehicles to be able to get information from the command and control through Satellite”, he added.
Earlier in his Keynote Address, the Group Managing Director, Proforce Group of Companies, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, noted that the company has delved into space technology and will soon launch the first private sector satellite in Nigeria for various applications.
He said: “We are currently in partnership with NASRDA to explore major areas of space such as Satellite manufacturing, Establishment of ground stations, Rocket launch site development, Satellite testing facilities and various auxiliary facilities.
In a presentation tilted, ‘Leveraging Space Technology for National Security and Potential Investment Opportunities’, Ogundeyin noted that whenever the issue of space economy resonated in African, people often think about satellites, rocket and technological advancements.
Admitting that they were all relevant, he however said that what sometimes goes unnoticed was the pivotal role that space technology plays in enhancing the security and stability of our nations especially in regions where security challenges are prevalent.
“As someone deeply entrenched in the security industry in Africa, I have witnessed the transformative power of space technology in enhancing security and stability.
According to him, Proforce Galaxies and NASRDA are partnering in space technology at the Africa Space Economy Exhibition.
Speaking further on how the country can leverage space technology for national security and potential investment opportunities, Engr. Ogundeyin maintained that space technology is a catalyst for both national security, investment opportunities both in Nigeria, the continent of Africa and globally.
“The synergy between the utilization of space technology for enhanced security and the economic prospects it offers is a theme that holds immense promise for our region. Space Technology as a solution to boost Nigeria’s defense and security architecture.
“In an era where national security is a paramount concern for nations globally, Nigeria is not exempted from its complexities and multifaceted challenges. Leveraging space technology offers us an unparalleled advantage in fortifying our national security apparatus”, he stated.
