An initiative by UAE space technology company Space42 aims to create the most detailed map of Africa, helping to drive the continent’s economic growth by the development of smart cities, digital economies and boosting industries such as agriculture.
The Map Africa Initiative aims to chart all 54 African countries using satellite data and artificial intelligence, to help governments, businesses and communities to make more informed decisions.
The five-year project is being carried out in partnership with Microsoft and geospatial company Esri.
Jack Dangermond, president of Esri, said transforming satellite imagery into detailed maps at continental scale requires advanced geospatial technology.
“These same capabilities have supported similar national and regional mapping efforts around the world,” he said.
“With Map Africa, we are helping to establish a foundational resource that will drive infrastructure planning, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.”
How will the map be created?
The initiative will rely on Space42’s satellites, Microsoft’s cloud platform Azure to store and process data and Esri’s advanced mapping software.
Space42 will supply satellite imagery through its own satellites and from commercial partners.
This raw data will be processed using AI-powered Digital Twin technology, a virtual representation of real-world locations, developed by Space42.
Esri, which has decades of experience in mapping technology, will use it to help create the main maps by analysing the satellite images. It will also help to train local teams across Africa to manage and update the data in the long term.
Microsoft will provide the secure cloud infrastructure through its Azure platform, allowing for high-speed processing, storage and sharing of large amounts of data.
The maps created will be licensed to national governments, giving them control over future updates.
The data will eventually be stored in African data centres managed by Microsoft and UAE’s G42, the parent company of Space42.
How mapping projects help countries
Mapping initiatives have benefitted other countries, including India, where a nationwide project that started in 2015 helped to improve disaster management by providing real-time data during floods and cyclones.
In Rwanda, high-resolution satellite maps were used to modernise agriculture by helping farmers better manage land, water and crops.
In Indonesia, updated geospatial data has been helpful in reducing the impact of tsunamis and earthquakes. Local agencies use the data to plan evacuation routes and identify high-risk zones.
Existing maps in many African countries are either outdated, incomplete or are unavailable, which makes infrastructure development, planning internet networks or managing disaster difficult.
Economic boost for Africa
Space42 said governments will be able to use the new maps to build smart cities, monitor borders, deploy solar and wind farms in the most efficient locations and respond more effectively to emergencies.
The data will also support a new generation of African tech startups, which can build services using geospatial data.
“Accurate, high-quality mapping and the intelligence solutions built on it are essential for growth, resilience, and inclusive innovation. With reliable data, communities and economies prosper,” said Hasan Al Hosani, chief executive of smart solutions at Space42.
The UAE was the largest foreign investor in Africa in 2024 with $44 billion.
Space42, which trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), was formed last year when UAE satellite company Yahsat merged with AI and mapping firm Bayanat.
