Côte d’Ivoire became the 75th country to join the Artemis Accords on September 24, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for African participation in global space exploration. The signing in Abidjan, witnessed by U.S. and NASA officials, underscores the nation’s ambition to expand its role in lunar and planetary research.
Côte d’Ivoire’s accession to the Artemis Accords on September 24, 2026, solidified its status as the ninth African nation to join the U.S.-led framework for peaceful space exploration. The ceremony, held during the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX 2026) in Abidjan, was formalized by Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with Junaid Munir, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy, observing on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Signing Ceremony and International Collaboration
The signing ceremony highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving relationship with NASA, which began in 2019 with joint efforts in Earth observation and geodesy. These collaborations laid the groundwork for the nation’s formal commitment to the Artemis Accords, which include principles such as peaceful exploration, transparency, and the preservation of historical space sites. The event also showcased the nation’s push to become a regional hub for space-related activities, with the Africa Space Expo serving as a platform to strengthen continental ties.
Côte d’Ivoire’s entry follows a surge in African participation in the Artemis Accords. This trend reflects a broader shift toward using space exploration for scientific and economic advancement. With nine African signatories, the region now accounts for 12% of the 75 nations in the accords, signaling a growing influence in global space governance.
Regional Expansion and African Participation
The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by NASA and seven founding nations, aim to create practical guidelines for lunar and planetary activities. Côte d’Ivoire’s accession aligns with the framework’s goals of fostering international cooperation, with participating countries advancing recommendations on noninterference, data sharing, and mission interoperability. The recent Principals’ Meeting at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye, co-chaired by NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and Peruvian Space Agency Director Roberto Melgar Sheen, focused on supporting emerging space nations and mitigating lunar debris. These efforts underscore the accords’ role in shaping a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space,
as emphasized by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
The Artemis Accords’ Growing Influence
NASA’s recent announcement that the Artemis Accords have surpassed 75 signatories highlights the initiative’s rapid growth. Nearly one-third of the signatories joined since the start of President Trump’s second term, with the U.S. leading efforts to return humans to the Moon and prepare for Mars exploration. The accords’ success is attributed to their structured approach, including biannual meetings and virtual sessions to advance technical alignment. As Côte d’Ivoire and other nations join, the framework continues to evolve, reflecting a global consensus on responsible space exploration. Our momentum reflects a growing commitment to peaceful, responsible exploration,
Isaacman said, framing the accords as a cornerstone of international collaboration in the space sector.
The expansion of the Artemis Accords signals a shift in space governance, with emerging nations like Côte d’Ivoire playing a more active role. As the U.S. and its partners deepen cooperation, the accords may set a precedent for future missions, from lunar bases to Mars exploration. With 75 signatories and an expanding African presence, the Artemis Accords are redefining the rules of engagement in space—a domain once dominated by a few major powers.