Astronomy in Africa business meeting

The Astronomy in Africa Business meeting was hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town on 25-26 March 2019. The meeting focused on strategy, policy, and governance issues related to the field and plan the future of astronomy on the continent. It also relaunched the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), a professional astronomy society, with a clear mandate.

Around 80 delegates from 20 different countries were present at the Astronomy in Africa meeting in Cape Town, including astronomy researchers and stakeholders from government and research institutions. Anyone interested in Astronomy in Africa could provide input online. An informal day of discussions and networking to explore collaborative opportunities between space and astronomy communities preceded the meeting on Sunday, 24 March.

  • the meeting adopted a new constitution for the African Astronomical Society (AfAS);
  • accepted an offer of the South African government to host a staffed secretariat for the first 3 years and
  • elected an Executive Committee to take the organisation forward. 

More details on the website

Participants of the Astronomy in Africa business meeting in Cape Town, March 2019
Participants of the Astronomy in Africa business meeting in Cape Town, March 2019