African Dimension of the French Space Policy

The article explores the current state of the French space economy and the political approaches employed to foster its development. Based on the analysis of secondary statistical data, the authors conclude that state participation in the French space industry is significant. The economic value of this sphere is not the only factor determining the trajectory of the country’s space policy. Challenged by growing competition in the international space market, particularly due to the rise of “new” space powers, France faces the need not only to develop its own industry but to seek new partners among countries, including those in Africa, that are striving to build their space capabilities. The authors examine the external dimension of France’s space policy, specifically its African dimension, to determine whether this new area of cooperation could become a tool for maintaining France’s presence on the continent. The Franco-Moroccan partnership in the space sector is examined as a case study. The analysis of a general desire of African countries to develop satellite technologies and use space for socio-economic development, as well as the assessment of the intensity of bilateral economic and political ties between France and Morocco, leads the authors to conclude that space cooperation is mutually beneficial. It is also highlighted that France’s international cooperation in the space sector is tied to its economic and political interests. In the context of the crisis of the African dimension of the French foreign policy, space in general and agreements in the field of satellite launches can be linked to France’s desire to secure new tools for implementing its strategic interests in Africa.