AfSA Opens Applications for Earth Observation and AI Training Programme in Morocco

The African Space Agency (AfSA) has opened applications for a specialised training programme combining Earth observation, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence, according to Tech Review Africa. The five-day workshop is scheduled to take place between 18 and 22 January 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, with the call for participants remaining open until 30 November 2026.

Space data and machine learning

The programme is organised under the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme’s Continental Innovation track. According to AfSA, the initiative aims to equip African researchers, technical professionals, and entrepreneurs with practical skills to process satellite data and apply machine learning workflows to local challenges.

The curriculum concentrates on three vital resource sectors across the continent: agriculture, land use, and water security. In the agricultural module, trainees will examine how Earth observation data supports agricultural monitoring, resource management and decision-making, according to the agency. The land-use component covers geospatial analysis of land-use change, sustainable land management and territorial planning, while the water security track focuses on using satellite data and analytical tools to monitor and manage water resources. The course also features an entrepreneurship component designed to foster local geospatial services.

According to AfSA, candidates will be selected based on their technical experience, professional background, and demonstrated potential to apply Earth observation tools in their home countries.

What it means

For developing nations, building local capability at the intersection of AI and satellite data ensures that environmental and agricultural planning is guided by homegrown expertise rather than foreign analytical platforms.