Uzbekistan's space agency courts African delegates for IAC 2028 in Samarkand

The 79th International Astronautical Congress will take place from 9 to 13 October 2028 at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Centre, organised by Uzcosmos and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Uzbek officials expect more than 10,000 participants.

Uzcosmos Deputy Director Mukhiddin Ibragimov told Space in Africa at IAC 2026 in Antalya that the agency wants a much larger African presence. He cited a visa-free regime for 97 countries, MFA support for visa applicants, an e-visa and airline discounts. Uzbekistan's e-visa covers 13 African states, excluding Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia and Rwanda, so invitation-based visas would matter for many delegates.

Ibragimov offered cooperation on Earth observation for monitoring illegal mining, unauthorised construction, agriculture and water management. He named no existing partnerships with African states or the African Union.

Why it matters: Earth observation applications for mining, water and agriculture oversight overlap with African agency priorities. Visa access, IAF programme space and early preparation by African institutions will determine whether the congress yields partnerships or only a few attendees.