Seven African states own 47 of 69 satellites, but few are equipped for space risk

An analysis by Space in Africa (SiA), written by Rihab Ben Moussa and published on 23 October 2026, examines how seven African space regimes allocate satellite-related risk through legislation, insurance and contracts.

According to SiA, seven African countries own 47 of the continent's 69 satellites. The analysis finds that only three of those seven are fully equipped to manage the risks that come with owning and operating satellites.

The piece sits in SiA's space law and policy coverage and compares how national frameworks distribute risk between the parties involved.

Why it matters: As African governments commission more Earth observation and communications satellites, gaps in liability law, insurance and contracting leave public budgets exposed. Data users and mission planners depend on the resilience of those assets.