Reflection on 2025 Space Year
Join us to reflect on African and global space activities in 2025 and explore what 2026 may have in store.
Our lead discussants are:
➡️ Mariam Saliu (Head of Operations and Business Development, Space in Africa)
Mariam Saliu is the Head of Operations and Business Development at Space in Africa, with over 10 years of experience in ICT and space technology sales. She leads market expansion, partnerships, and revenue growth initiatives across government and commercial sectors. Prior to this, she spent several years at NIGCOMSAT, driving revenue growth through satellite-based solutions, client acquisition, and strategic partnerships. Her career spans business development, marketing, operations, and stakeholder engagement, with a consistent focus on turning opportunities into practical, revenue generating outcomes. Mariam holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and has a background in communications and advertising.
➡️ Nelly-helen Ebruka(Outreach Manager, Spacehubs Africa)
Nelly-Helen Ebruka is a PhD Researcher in Politics at the University of Manchester. Her research examines historical and institutional considerations of Africa–Europe space cooperation. She currently hosts a monthly virtual programme, at Spacehubs Africa that provides a platform for students, young professionals and experts to discuss key issues shaping Africa’s space sector. She has a master’s in Diplomacy and International Relations. Through both her academic work and advocacy, she is committed to strengthening the continent’s international partnerships in space.
➡️ Nana Appiah Acquaye (Managing Editor, TechReview Africa)
Nana Appiah Acquaye is a seasoned Ghanaian Tech-Space journalist and digital media professional with over a decade and half years of experience spanning electronic, print, and online journalism. He is currently the Managing Editor of TechReview Africa, a leading pan-African Technology and Space online media platform based in Accra, Ghana. His work focuses on Africa’s digital economy, innovation, space and satellite developments, and technology policy.
➡️ Johnmark Ochieng (Communication Officer, Digital Earth Africa)
Johnmark Ochieng is a passionate space communicator and communications expert dedicated to raising awareness of space and its potential. With a knack for simplifying complex scientific concepts, he engages diverse audiences through clear, compelling storytelling that emphasises the significance of space technologies and their real-world applications. As a master of ceremonies and moderator, he brings warmth, clarity, and organisation to events, guiding discussions that make space and science feel accessible, relevant, and exciting for everyone.
➡️ Timothy Kuhamba (Satellite Operator, TRL Space)
Timothy Kudzanayi Kuhamba is an accomplished Space Systems Engineer. With a remarkable list of achievements and accolades, he was part of the team responsible for designing and building Zimbabwe's first satellite, ZIMSAT-1. Kuhamba is also a published author, having written a book titled Stellar Aspirations: Transforming a Space Dream into Reality. Additionally, he founded Stellar Aspirations, an organization dedicated to fostering space education and inspiring dreams across Africa and beyond. Kuhamba holds a Bachelor of Honours in Applied Physics from the National University of Science and Technology, a Post-Graduate degree in Satellite Communication from the African Regional Centre for Space Science Technology Education English, and a Master's degree in Communication Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. He also obtained a Master's degree in Electrical and Space Engineering from the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.
➡️ Lillian Assefa (Editor-in-Chief, African Science stars)
Lillian Assefa is the Editor-in-Chief of the space science magazine - African Science Stars. She is a computer engineer working in software development.