President Paul Kagame on Wednesday joined heads of state and government and other officials in Paris for the International Space Summit, a two-day meeting on space security, the space economy and the future use of outer space.
The summit, which runs from Sept. 9 to 10, was jointly organised by France and Germany and is being held at the Grand Palais in Paris.
The meeting brings together government officials, international organisations, space agencies, scientists and representatives of the private sector to discuss developments in the space sector.
Key issues on the agenda include space security and military activities, the space economy, scientific research and innovation, space governance and the sustainable use of outer space.
The summit is also addressing the use of space technology and international cooperation in the sector.
Africa gets a dedicated session
Africa’s role in the future of space activities is among the issues being discussed at the summit.
A session dedicated to Africa is examining the continent’s contribution to the future of space and the use of space technology to support development.
The discussions cover Africa’s scientific and technological capacity and its participation in international discussions on the governance of outer space.
Space-based technology is already used in areas including telecommunications, internet services, navigation, agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management and security.
The summit is expected to draw about 2,000 participants from 120 countries.
Kagame meets UNESCO chief
Before attending the space summit, Kagame held talks with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany in Paris on Wednesday.
The discussions focused on cooperation between Rwanda and UNESCO in education, science and technology, cultural heritage, and the preservation of history and memorial sites.
The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the opening of the International Space Summit.
Rwanda’s cooperation with UNESCO covers areas including education, science and technology, cultural heritage and the preservation of the country’s history and culture.
El-Enany, an Egyptian historian, became UNESCO director-general in November 2025, succeeding Audrey Azoulay, who had served in the position for eight years.
The meeting between Kagame and El-Enany came as the Rwandan president was in Paris for the two-day space summit.
The summit’s agenda includes space governance, security, industry, scientific research, technology, satellite use and the sustainable use of outer space.
