President Paul Kagame on Wednesday attended an international summit in Paris bringing together governments, space agencies, researchers and industry leaders to discuss security, technology, scientific research and the future use of outer space.
The International Space Summit, held on Sept. 9 and 10 at the Grand Palais, has brought together representatives from about 120 countries and around 2,000 participants, according to the French presidency.
The summit was organised by France and Germany as governments and companies seek to address growing challenges in space, including security, regulation, investment, research and the use of satellites.
The agenda covers space governance, industry, scientific research, technology, defence and the sustainable use of outer space.
Africa is also part of the summit’s programme, with discussions on the continent’s role in the space sector and its use of space technology.
The meeting comes as space-based systems become increasingly important to telecommunications, navigation, weather forecasting, agriculture, environmental monitoring and disaster management.
For African countries, access to satellite data and other space technologies is relevant to several of these areas, while the summit is also addressing how countries can participate in international discussions on the use and governance of outer space.
Kagame’s participation comes alongside a separate meeting he held in Paris with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany.
The two discussed cooperation between Rwanda and UNESCO in education, science and technology, cultural heritage and the preservation of history and memorial sites.
El-Enany, an Egyptian historian, became UNESCO director-general in November 2025, succeeding Audrey Azoulay.
The space summit is also examining Europe’s position in the global space sector, including investment, industrial capacity and access to space. European officials have called for stronger capabilities and reduced dependence on outside providers for some space services.
The discussions include satellite communications, space security, scientific research, industrial development and rules governing the use of outer space.
