AFRICA EARTH OBSERVATION CHALLENGE 2025: Cape Verde Towards Sustainability Through Space Innovation
O AFRICA EARTH OBSERVATION CHALLENGE 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Cape Verde to strengthen its capabilities in the use of satellite data to tackle crucial challenges such as climate change, natural resource management and sustainable urban development. This initiative, which aims to stimulate innovation and collaboration on the African continent, aligns perfectly with Cape Verde's vision of a resilient and prosperous future, based on the intelligent use of technology and environmental sustainability.
Cape Verde, an archipelago vulnerable to climate change and resource scarcity, has much to gain from active participation in this challenge. Satellite images and data derived from Earth observation can provide valuable information for drought monitoring, water management, forecasting extreme weather events and assessing the impacts of rising sea levels. In addition, Earth observation is a powerful tool for urban planning, mapping vegetation cover, detecting deforestation and monitoring coastal pollution, all critical areas for Cape Verde's sustainable development.
Our proposal for the Africa Earth Observation Challenge 2025 centres on the development of an integrated geospatial information platform adapted to the specific needs of Cape Verde. This platform will enable the collection, processing and analysis of satellite data, combined with terrestrial data, to generate relevant information products for policy makers, resource managers and the general public. The project will involve multidisciplinary teams, covering areas such as space engineering, environmental sciences, information technology and project management, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach.
We believe that the success of this platform lies in its ability to translate complex Earth observation data into practical and accessible information. To this end, the platform will be designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that will allow users to easily visualise and interact with the data. In addition, workshops and training programmes will be developed to ensure that the different stakeholders can effectively use the platform and incorporate geospatial information into their decision-making processes.
One of the innovative aspects of our proposal is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to automate the analysis of satellite data and the detection of patterns. This will enable more efficient, real-time monitoring of natural resources and environmental impacts, making it easier to take preventative and corrective measures. For example, the system will be able to detect areas of deforestation in real time, alerting the authorities to the need for intervention. Similarly, analysing satellite images could help monitor water quality and identify sources of pollution.
Participation in the Africa Earth Observation Challenge 2025 is not only an opportunity for Cape Verde to strengthen its technical capacities in the area of geospatialisation, but also to promote regional and international collaboration. The project will include partnerships with other research and development institutions in Africa and Europe, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and the sharing of good practices. This collaborative dimension is key to building a network of experts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
In short, the Africa Earth Observation Challenge 2025 offers Cape Verde the opportunity to take a qualitative leap forward in managing its natural resources and adapting to climate change. Our proposal represents an investment in the country's sustainable future, through the intelligent use of space technology and the promotion of innovation and collaboration. We invite the evaluators of this proposal to consider the transformative potential of this project for Cape Verde and the African region, recognising the positive impact that Earth observation can have on sustainable development and environmental resilience.
The deadline for submitting applications is 31 August 2025. For more information about the challenge, visit [link here].
