Abu dhabi: Space42, a UAE-based global AI-powered SpaceTech company, part of technology group G42, has announced a significant collaboration with Microsoft and Esri. The three companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create high-resolution, scalable base maps across all 54 African countries, which will serve over 1.4 billion people as part of the 'Map Africa Initiative.'
According to Emirates News Agency, this initiative aims to produce the most comprehensive base map of Africa to date, addressing challenges related to infrastructure, investment, and institutional gaps. The enhanced mapping system is expected to boost economic development by providing governments, businesses, and communities with greater access to intelligent solutions.
The collaboration spans five years and seeks to enhance geospatial capabilities across Africa and the UAE. It will provide precise and accessible data to national and regional stakeholders. The MoU was signed at Esri's 2025 User Conference, highlighting the commitment to fostering geospatial innovation in the region.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasized the strategic nature of this collaboration, stating that it advances Space42's business priorities and strengthens its role as a trusted partner to governments. Jack Dangermond, President of Esri, added that the initiative will transform satellite imagery into detailed, accurate base maps, supporting infrastructure planning, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa.
The current state of Africa's maps is characterized by fragmentation, outdated information, or inaccessibility, making it challenging for governments and businesses to make informed decisions. The Map Africa Initiative aims to address this issue by producing accurate, timely, and locally managed geospatial data.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, leveraging the strengths of each partner. Space42 will lead fundraising and project management, process satellite data using AI-powered Digital Twin models, and spearhead research and development for new AI models. Esri will manage base map production workflows and support regional training hubs, while Microsoft will provide cloud infrastructure and AI frameworks through Azure.
The initiative is expected to unlock value across multiple industries, enhancing ports and logistics, renewable energy, security and disaster response, and the development of smart cities and digital economies. The data will be licensed to national governments, enabling ownership and long-term updating by National Mapping Agencies. It will also support the growth of a commercial ecosystem of African startups, with the data eventually housed in G42 and Microsoft-managed data centers across Africa.
For Space42, this project deepens partnerships with Microsoft and Esri, expands its presence in Africa, and opens new commercial opportunities. The initiative underscores Space42's position as a global partner of choice for governments seeking scalable geospatial data.
Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer at G42, highlighted the importance of intelligence as a foundation for societal progress and the partnership's role in closing the gap for millions across the Global South. The collaboration will deliver AI-powered insights to enable smarter planning and sustainable growth.
This initiative aligns with the UAE's Global Investment and Innovation Agenda, as the UAE is Africa's largest foreign investor. Space42's efforts in geospatial mapping contribute to building an innovation-driven economy in both the UAE and Africa, while strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties and consolidating the UAE's leadership in AI-enabled space solutions.
