Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council of the African Space Agency, on Friday 7 February 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation between ICESCO and the Council to implement programs and projects that leverage space sciences to advance education, science, and culture in African countries.

Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting by highlighting ICESCO’s commitment to space science and its various applications through encouraging Member States to invest in this field due to its significant potential for development and problem-solving. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s key programs and projects in this field and announced the establishment of a dedicated department for space science within the Organization.

For his part, Dr. Ouattara praised ICESCO’s continued focus and interest in space science and its applications, expressing his aspiration to build joint cooperation in this regard. Dr. Ouattara invited Dr. AlMalik to attend the NewSpace Africa Conference, to be held next April in Cairo, Egypt, and to participate in the opening of the Office of the African Space Agency in conjunction with the Conference.
The meeting included discussions on a range of educational programs and initiatives proposed for implementation in collaboration between ICESCO and the Agency.

These initiatives aim to benefit African countries by showcasing the advantages of space technology in enhancing daily life within communities. The two parties also explored the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the same sector.