From satellite data and AI to drones and precision farming, geospatial tech is no longer just for specialists. Today, it’s a vital tool for sovereignty and economic growth across Africa. In Togo, the sector is hitting its stride as private startups and public policy begin to align.

In this interview, Richard Folly, CEO of African Geospace, dives into the tech transforming the continent. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing data analysis, how geodata is de-risking agriculture and finance, and the big question: should African nations launch their own satellites or team up?

Drawing on his experience at NASA, Folly outlines what it will take for African startups to thrive and how the continent can move from using global tech to creating it.

Ecofin Agency: You were recently featured in a BBC Africa article regarding an international leadership and cooperation program. Could you tell us more about it?

Richard Folly: Absolutely. It’s the Czechia-Africa Cooperation Programme. It’s essentially an exchange and training initiative for young African leaders, designed to build stronger links between emerging talent across Africa and the Czech Republic.

Although the country may not yet be widely known on the continent, it has a strong industrial and technological base, with expertise ranging from rail and automotive engineering to more advanced sectors like aerospace.

The programme aims to immerse participants in this ecosystem, offering exposure to Czech industrial capabilities as well as governance and policy approaches.

In practice, we took part in high-level simulations of European decision-making processes and explored complex issues such as data governance, semiconductor policy, access to clean water, and environmental protection. We also had in-depth discussions with officials at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which helped us better understand their foreign policy priorities and current initiatives across Africa.

Overall, it was a valuable deep dive into both institutional policymaking and advanced technology, alongside a cohort of about twenty fellow African participants.

Ecofin Agency: How does this program intersect with your work in data and geospatial technology?

Richard Folly: For me, the link is very clear. My company, African Geospace, is already collaborating with a Czech aerospace firm called TRL Space. In fact, they were in Lomé last April, where we co-hosted a forum focused on space and geospatial technologies.

Taking part in this programme and traveling to the Czech Republic really felt like bringing everything full circle. It aligns perfectly with the mission we’ve been building. We want to foster technological cooperation and create a cycle of knowledge exchange around data, space technologies, and their practical applications for Africa.

Ecofin Agency: On that note, what is the current landscape of geospatial data in Togo?

Richard Folly: We’ve made significant strides. To put things in perspective, the groundwork really began back in 2013 with the launch of OpenStreetMap Togo, an open-source initiative that I helped start to produce and share free geographic data.

Since then, a real ecosystem has taken shape. We now have civic tech efforts like OpenStreetMap, alongside private sector actors such as African Geospace that are actively using geospatial data for commercial applications.

On the government side, we’re also seeing a clear rise in technical capacity. Several ministries are increasingly focusing on satellite data and training young professionals to analyze it. A prime example is the PRISE project, the Census of Socio-Economic Infrastructure, which led to the creation of two national geoportals. These platforms have become essential tools for public policy and data-driven decision-making.

Without a skilled local workforce to drive these efforts, even the strongest international partnerships risk remaining isolated projects rather than leading to long-term national ownership

Overall, through grassroots initiatives, private enterprise, and key government projects, Togo is clearly positioning itself as a strategic hub for geospatial data.

Ecofin Agency: Looking at the continent as a whole, what is the current state of the geodata and geospatial industry in Africa?

Richard Folly: Across Africa, we’re seeing a real surge in geospatial initiatives. One thing that stands out, though, is that English-speaking countries tend to be a bit further ahead than French-speaking ones, which is something we also see in other areas of tech.

Overall, the sector is growing quickly. There are roughly 20,000 geospatial professionals on the continent today, and the market is expected to top $22 billion by 2026. Strong regional leaders are emerging, and more national companies are entering the space, both in the public and private sectors.

It’s also worth remembering that geospatial data goes hand in hand with the space industry. That’s why the launch of the African Space Agency in Cairo last April was such an important step. It helps connect African space companies with European partners and makes it easier to build consortia that can take on major projects across the continent.

At the same time, the EU and the African Union have a structured partnership with around $100 million in funding, and a significant part of that is directed toward space and geospatial programmes. All of this is contributing to the steady development of a more connected and competitive African geospatial market.

Ecofin Agency: When we look at the progress made by countries like Rwanda, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and more recently Senegal, especially in satellite investment, digital infrastructure, and precision agriculture, is Togo moving in the right direction? In your view, what three strategic priorities are needed to close the gap?

Richard Folly: I do think Togo is in a good position to catch up. When there is strong political commitment, the resources and momentum usually follow.

If I had to highlight three key priorities, the first is clearly education and capacity building. Everything we’ve talked about, whether it’s satellites, big data, or AI, ultimately depends on people.

Without a skilled local workforce to drive these efforts, even the strongest international partnerships risk remaining isolated projects rather than leading to long-term national ownership. That’s why investing in large-scale training is essential, from geospatial data analysis all the way to highly specialized engineering roles in the space sector.

Ecofin Agency:  Is there currently a shortage of specialized talent, such as geomatics experts or geospatial data scientists?

Richard Folly: Yes, and the sector really breaks down into two main areas. First, you have the applications side. These are the data scientists and analysts who work with geospatial information, interpret it, and turn it into practical use cases. In that area, Togo already has some skilled professionals, including within several government ministries.

The second area is the more technical and industrial side, which involves designing, building, and eventually launching satellites. That’s where the gap is much larger.

Even though the data comes from space, the expertise needed to develop and maintain that kind of infrastructure is still very limited locally. We do have Togolese professionals in the diaspora working in these fields, but within the country, the skills base is still not strong enough.

That’s why training efforts need to cover the full value chain, from aerospace engineering all the way through to data analysis and applications.

Ecofin Agency: Beyond training and education, what other key areas should Togo focus on?

Richard Folly: The second priority is cooperation, both within the region and internationally. Working with more advanced African countries, as well as partners in Europe or the United States, allows us to move much faster. There’s no need to start from scratch. By building on the experience of those who have already made progress, we can save time and strengthen the effectiveness of our public policies.

The third priority is having a clear sense of national focus. Togo needs to decide where space and geospatial technologies can have the greatest impact.

Agriculture is an obvious example. These tools can significantly improve productivity while also supporting more sustainable environmental practices.

Another critical area is security and defense. Our sub-region is facing growing security pressures, and Togo is no longer completely insulated. Satellite technologies can play an important role in monitoring land and maritime borders, detecting illicit activities, and anticipating potential threats.

Once you concentrate on these core sectors, other applications naturally follow, including disaster risk management, more resilient urban development, and sustainable land-use planning.

Ecofin Agency: The business model for geodata still seems unclear in many African countries. What are the most realistic pathways to profitability today?

Richard Folly: The opportunities are significant, and we’re starting to see a few models that are clearly emerging.

The most common and straightforward one is SaaS, meaning subscription-based platforms powered by satellite data. Users pay to access sector-specific services for agriculture, environmental monitoring, climate tracking, and similar applications.

That’s exactly what we’re developing at African Geospace. We’re preparing to launch an agriculture-focused platform in the first quarter of 2026. It’s designed for three main user groups: farmers, insurance companies, and policymakers. Each of them will be able to access climate and geospatial insights tailored to their needs, whether that’s improving farm management, assessing risk, or shaping agricultural policy.

A second model is more institutional and revolves around business-to-government services. In this case, satellite data is turned into actionable indicators for public agencies or organizations working on disaster risk management. These projects are usually structured through service contracts, licensing, or annual agreements rather than individual subscriptions.

To move faster, we need public institutions that can provide clear frameworks and support the sector’s development.

Finally, there is an industrial pathway. Africa has a large pool of young technical talent. With the right training, these professionals can contribute to manufacturing, testing, or quality control for space mission components on behalf of international partners. We’ve seen similar models work in other technology industries, and it represents strong medium-term growth potential.

Ecofin Agency: How do you see the geospatial ecosystem evolving in Togo and across Africa over the next five to ten years?

Richard Folly: The ecosystem is already emerging, and it’s only going to become more active and more structured in the coming years.

First, we’re seeing the growing role of civil society, especially through civic tech initiatives like OpenStreetMap. These communities now have a strong presence across Africa, and they play a key role in training, awareness, and making geospatial tools more accessible.

At the same time, the private sector is expanding quickly. Companies like African Geospace, along with other African firms, will continue to grow, largely supported by international cooperation. This is not a space where countries or companies can work in isolation. Progress depends on stronger partnerships, more collaboration, and deeper integration into global networks, including with European partners.

But the role of the state remains essential. In many African countries, the legal and regulatory environment for space and geospatial technologies is still unclear. That uncertainty slows innovation because stakeholders often don’t know what standards, responsibilities, or rules apply. To move faster, we need public institutions that can provide clear frameworks and support the sector’s development.

That’s why I have long argued for the creation of national space councils or national space agencies. The African Space Agency can provide coordination at the continental level, but it will only be truly effective if strong national counterparts exist on the ground. Without local structures, it becomes difficult to implement projects and mobilize resources, even when funding is available.

In the end, the future of the sector will depend on four key forces: private companies, civil society, public institutions, and investors. How well these actors work together will shape Africa’s trajectory in this strategic field.

Interview by Fiacre E. Kakpo