Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

View citations →

Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Africa’s Space Programs: Charting a New Frontier

Explore More Content

📁 Africa space satellite missions 📁 Africa space astronomy leadership 📁 Africa space climate resilience 📁 Africa space economic transformation 📁 Africa space programs 📁 scientific innovation

Africa’s Space Programs: Charting a New Frontier

Africa’s space and astronomy efforts are more than symbolic—they are foundational to scientific, economic, and social transformation across the continent. From earth observation to communications and climate resilience, African nations are building critical capacity in science, engineering, and innovation.

Africa space programs

Early Milestones and Regional Collaboration

Kenya launched the Uhuru satellite from Malindi in 1970, marking one of Africa’s first steps into space. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a multi-country radio astronomy initiative, positions East and Southern Africa at the center of next-generation astrophysical research. In West Africa, Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) deploys Earth observation satellites for agriculture, environment, and disaster monitoring. Algeria and Egypt maintain strong space programs, developing satellites for remote sensing, telecommunications, and scientific research.

South Africa: A Regional Leader

South Africa’s investment in space and astronomy is among the most mature on the continent. Established in 2010, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) coordinates satellite missions, remote sensing, and earth systems science. Dr. Sandile Malinga, the current CEO, continues SANSA’s goal of combining scientific research with real-world impact.

South Africa also hosts major international telescopes that strengthen its profile in global astronomy networks and support continental research capacity.

Ethiopia’s Vision: Observatory on Mount Entoto

Ethiopia’s Entoto Observatory, perched at about 10,170 feet (3,100 meters), features two modern telescopes worth millions of dollars. It is one of the country’s first major steps into astronomy and serves both scientific and educational missions. As Ethiopia’s communications director Abinet Ezra stated:

“Science is part of any development cycle. Without science and technology, nothing can be achieved… our priority is to inspire the younger generation…”

Practical Applications: Why Space Matters for Africa

  • Agriculture and; food security: crop monitoring and land use analysis
  • Weather forecasting and; climate resilience: mitigating floods, droughts, and climate shocks
  • Natural resource management: forest cover, water resources, and mineral mapping
  • Disaster response and; national security: satellite-based situational awareness

Satellites aren’t just for exploration—they are tools helping nations manage infrastructure, economies, and sustainable development.

Challenges and; Strategic Imperatives

  1. Funding and sustainability: high upfront costs and long timelines
  2. Technical and human capital gaps: retaining skilled scientists and engineers
  3. Coordination and policy frameworks: aligning national, regional, and international space policies
  4. Infrastructure and launch access: reliance on foreign launch providers

Overcoming these requires public–private partnerships, regional centers of excellence, and integrating space goals into national development strategies.

The Road Ahead

The African Union has proposed a continental space agency to enhance coordination and resource sharing. Young Africans are emerging as leaders in astrophysics, engineering, and data science—shaping the future of STEM. As costs of small satellites and CubeSats decline, more countries can join the space ecosystem. Africa’s journey to space is more than ambition—it is a declaration: science, exploration, and technology are central to Africa’s destiny.

The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

Korea & Africa: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor’s Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.