Hi, Q-MHI Africa readers!

ROCKET MAN

The premise of After The Flare, a new space fantasy novel by Deji Bryce Olukotun, is a solar flare has hit earth and destroyed electricity grids followed by devastating cyber attacks that paralyze all communication. This all sounds plausible until you learn the only functioning space program left on earth is supposed to be in Nigeria.

Of course, the only reason space programs in sub Saharan African countries might seem unlikely is because there’s a common belief developing countries have more pressing priorities with everything from poverty and food security to disease and childhood mortality. Yet, as a paper published by Harvard Kennedy school last month argues, space programs should play a vital role in kickstarting innovation programs in developing countries to address many of these challenges.

The declining costs of smaller satellites along with new applications and innovations in recent years have made the implementation of space technology attainable for many African nations. In the past, the capital-intensive nature of space projects would have have been considered wasteful for developing countries. But that’s always missed the point the authors say, “Assimilating space technology has the potential to accelerate the attainment of national development goals and further indicates a visionary and technology-savvy society.”

Of the many vital uses of such programs, using satellites to acquire geospatial information and data is near the top of the list. We often talk about the lack of data in African countries and its debilitating impact. But owning your own satellites will provide more timely and accurate information for governments to help with public health, early-warning systems, disaster management and agribusiness decision-making rather buying data off third parties.

But this is not just about the direct uses of satellites and geospatial data but also promoting a home grown culture of innovation where the country develops capabilities and gain technological learning to accelerate development. “By designating funding and resources toward a small satellite and data analysis program, a country can transfer skills and knowledge from a foreign partner to build domestic capabilities in the management and dissemination of data,” write the authors (pdf).

Several African countries now have programs in place or are starting them off for these reasons and also for security implementation. South Africa has been a leader on the continent going as far back as the 1950s.

Ultimately, even for a relatively humble ambition as launching a small satellite (as against putting a person on the moon), African governments will need to have a nonpolitical, long-term vision and encourage the development of local talent to gain the full benefits of a space program.

— Yinka Adegoke, Q-MHI Africa editor

SPONSOR CONTENT BY BILL AND MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION

Ethiopia had to grow an army to improve maternal health. According to Ethiopia’s former health minister, the key is encouraging women to move from home births to obstetric care—no easy task. Here’s how they did it, and increased the proportion of women giving birth in health facilities from 20% to 73% in just five years.

STORIES FROM THIS WEEK

Liberia’s first female president is not an icon of women empowerment. When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected to power in 2005, her vote heralded much hope for the war-torn country. Despite her achievements, Sirleaf has been criticized for not opening up the political space for more women, Stacey Knott reports from Monrovia.

Nairobi built shiny new business districts but not enough tenants have shown up. Nairobi neighborhoods like Upper Hill have been converted from residential to prime commercial areas with high-rises and fancy new offices. But slow pre-let uptake, an oversupply of space, and limited returns have all factored in hampering its promise.

The Nigerian start-up helping Nigerians have safe sex. Talking openly about sex is still considered a taboo among many conservative societies in Nigeria. However, the start-up Slide Safe wants to change that—by discreetly delivering STD kits, condoms, and lubricants on demand.

Nigeria’s central bank is printing money to keep the government afloat. In just under four years, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s “claims” on the federal government has increased almost ten-fold. This goes to show that Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy is yet to recover from the collapse in global oil prices, writes Feyi Fawehinmi.

Fixing infertility in a booming business in Africa’s most-populous nation. Nigeria has one of the world’s highest birth rates—with 37.3 birth rates for every 1,000 people. But as Mark Amaza finds, that hasn’t stopped the a rise in demand for adoption services and fertility treatment for childless couples.

The latest TV start-up that is taking on Africa’s biggest pay-TV company. TSTV, a pay TV company that just launched in Nigeria, hopes to break the dominance of DStv, the digital satellite service owned by Naspers’ Multichoice. But whether TSTV or others can truly disrupt the market depends on how deeps its pockets are, explains Yomi Kazeem.

CHART OF THE WEEK

Fries, pizza and ice cream are fueling an obesity epidemic in Africa. As more Africans move to urban areas and enter the middle class, many are indulging in high-sugar and salty processed fast foods. As Abdi Latif Dahir reports, this change in lifestyle and eating habits is increasing the prevalence of diabetes and obesity across the continent.

OTHER THINGS WE LIKED

What happens when Kenyan politicians switch from speaking English. As Kenya goes through a tense electioneering time, politicians have been out in the public speaking English, Swahili, Sheng slang, or local languages. But the shift in languages aren’t just simple, writes Nanjala Nyabola in African Arguments, and hold significant consequences for Kenya’s political discourse.

Listen to this story from Foreign Policy‘s series, “Europe Slams Its Gates,” and other FP content, as well as features from a range of top publications: Download the AUDM app for your iPhone.

Can development aid stop migration to Europe? In just under two years, the European Union has approved $2 billion in projects aimed at stopping African migrants and refugees heading to Europe. Reporting from Mali for Foreign Policy, Ty McCormick argues the aid might just help accelerate the exodus.

Sudan’s rebel puppeteers. Just as Sudan resumes trade ties with the United States, Roopa Gogineni writes in the New York Times (with video) of a satirical political puppet show, Bisha TV, made in Khartoum. Made by a team of journalists, including the author, and members of drama group, the star of the show is a mock version of president Omar al-Bashir.

Q-MHI Africa