Côte d’Ivoire became the 75th nation to join the Artemis Accords on September 24, 2026, marking a milestone for African participation in lunar exploration. Croatia, the 74th signatory, joined days earlier, both nations aligning with U.S.-led principles for peaceful space collaboration.
Côte d’Ivoire’s entry into the Artemis Accords on September 24, 2026, solidified its status as the ninth African nation to join the U.S.-led framework for civil space exploration. The signing ceremony, held during the Africa Space Expo (ASPEX 2026) in Abidjan, was witnessed by U.S. Chargé d’affaires Junaid Munir and featured a statement from NASA Deputy Matt Anderson, who emphasized the partnership’s potential to expand scientific collaboration beyond Earth. The United States and Côte d'Ivoire already cooperate on Earth. Today, we expand that partnership beyond it,
Anderson said, highlighting opportunities for joint lunar exploration and technology development.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Director General of the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire, called the move a great achievement
for the country’s ambitions and the African Union. Côte d’Ivoire’s space efforts date back to 2019, when the National Office of Technical Development of Côte d’Ivoire and NASA collaborated on Earth observation and geodesy. The nation later established the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire in 2025. By joining the Artemis Accords, Côte d’Ivoire formalized its commitment to principles such as transparency, peaceful exploration, and preservation of space heritage, according to the sources.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Milestone and Regional Implications
Côte d’Ivoire’s accession to the Artemis Accords underscores its strategic push to become a regional hub for African space activities. The country’s Space Agency, established in 2025, now coordinates national efforts in Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation, and communications. This move aligns with broader African momentum: nine nations have joined the Accords, reflecting a surge in continental engagement with space governance. This is a great achievement, and important for Côte d'Ivoire’s ambitions and for the rest of the African Union members,
Ouattara said, framing the decision as a step toward collective scientific advancement.
The Accords, initiated by NASA and seven other nations in 2020, now include 75 signatories. They outline commitments to share scientific data, avoid harmful interference, and preserve historical sites in space. Côte d’Ivoire’s participation follows years of collaboration with NASA, including contributions to global geodetic networks. The nation’s focus on Earth observation and geodesy positions it to play a role in future lunar and planetary research, as outlined in the sources.
Croatia’s Entry and Strategic Vision
Croatia’s decision to join the Accords aligns with its broader economic and technological goals. The nation’s first satellite, CroCube, launched on Dec. 21, 2024, demonstrated its capacity for space-based innovation. By formalizing its commitment to the Accords, Croatia aims to use international collaboration for advancements in space science and technology. We have therefore decided to expand our international cooperation by joining the Artemis Accords,
Fuchs stated, framing the move as a strategic investment in the future of space exploration.
The Artemis Accords continue to attract nations seeking to shape the future of lunar and planetary exploration. With Côte d’Ivoire and Croatia now among the signatories, the framework’s geographic and institutional diversity grows, reflecting a global shift toward inclusive space governance. However, the long-term impact of these additions remains tied to the implementation of the Accords’ principles, including funding, technology sharing, and adherence to transparency standards.