Cape Verde Looking to the Stars: A Space-Based Study Supported by UNOSA and Japan
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOSA) and the Japan Long-Term Scholarship Program These collaborations represent an unprecedented opportunity for Cape Verde, opening doors for skills development and active participation in the growing field of space exploration and science. In a world increasingly dependent on space technology, and with the archipelago's inherent tourism and scientific potential, this collaboration offers a direct path to economic progress and capacity building in highly specialized areas.
UNOSA, with its extensive experience in promoting international cooperation in space, together with generous funding from Japan, offers scholarships for master's and doctoral programs at renowned universities worldwide. This scholarship program is a strategic investment aimed at training a new generation of Cape Verdean scientists, engineers, and technicians with the skills to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century.
Access to this scholarship is crucial for the future of Cape Verde for several reasons. First, it contributes to the diversification of the economy. The space sector, including areas such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and space tourism, is a rapidly growing industry with enormous potential for innovation and job creation. Second, participation in this program raises the country's scientific and technological profile internationally. Cape Verdean students, by gaining experience and knowledge, become ambassadors for their country, promoting it as a center of talent and research.
Specifically, scholarship recipients can specialize in a variety of relevant disciplines, such as aerospace engineering, astrophysics, Earth science, telecommunications systems, and space project management. Acquiring knowledge in these areas is crucial for understanding our planet and the universe, as well as for developing sustainable solutions to global challenges such as climate change and natural resource management. These qualified professionals can, in the future, drive the development of local space projects, attract foreign investment, and establish partnerships with international institutions.
Furthermore, training and research funded by UNOSA and Japan can support the development of ecotourism. Cape Verde, with its stunning landscapes and clear skies, is a prime location for astronomy and stargazing. By investing in education and infrastructure, such as observatories and research centers, the country can position itself as an attractive scientific tourism destination, creating job opportunities and generating revenue for the local economy.
For Cape Verde, this is a unique opportunity to invest in its future, building a more resilient, sustainable, and diversified economy. The training of qualified human resources and the acquisition of space knowledge are essential to guarantee the country's progress in the 21st century. It is fundamental that the government, educational institutions, and civil society unite to promote and facilitate the participation of young Cape Verdeans in this program.
Through this scholarship program, UNOSA and Japan are building a bridge to the future of Cape Verde, a future where the dreams and ambitions of Cape Verdeans reach for the stars.
Application deadline: November 30, 2025
Application link: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/access2space4all/PNST/PNST_Rounds.html
