Since its establishment, Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) has worked to ensure satellite data and Earth observation capabilities are free and accessible, useful, and relevant to African governments, researchers, and communities. The program has supported water security monitoring, agricultural productivity, land degradation assessments, urban growth analysis, and climate resilience planning across more than 35 countries on the African continent.
This transition to icipe is an evolution that strengthens local ownership and advances the program’s focus on sustained and long-term impact of Earth observations across the continent.
icipe is a world-class, pan-African research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a long-established track record of science for development. Its continental reach, institutional credibility, and commitment to capacity development make it an ideal host for DE Africa as the programme scales its engagement across Africa.
Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of icipe, says,“icipe’s appointment as long-term owner of Digital Earth Africa marks a pivotal step toward establishing a fully African-owned Earth observation platform to inform decision-making across sectors, including agriculture, climate, water, and land use. As a Centre, we embrace this role, which aligns well with our mission of impacting nature and society.”
Dr Lisa-Maria Rebelo, Managing Director, Digital Earth Africa, says, “This transition represents a powerful step toward sustained African ownership, ensuring the programme continues to deliver critical Earth observation data and insights for the continent. We welcome icipe’s stewardship and shared commitment to advancing user-driven science, strengthening partnerships, and building capacity, and are excited to work together to secure a resilient, African-owned future for Digital Earth Africa.”
The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) has served as Interim Host since April 2024, guiding the program through a critical period during the process to secure a long-term owner. “Hosting Digital Earth Africa has been a privilege and a responsibility we have taken seriously," says Imraan Saloojee, Executive Director at RIIS. "Over the course of this partnership, we have seen what becomes possible when satellite data is made accessible, actionable, and rooted in African realities. We are proud of what has been built. The platforms, the partnerships, the people, and the policies that have been informed by this work. As we pass the baton to icipe, we do so with confidence. icipe’s scientific standing, African identity, and commitment to development impact make the Centre the right home for this program’s next chapter. RIIS remains a committed partner to Digital Earth Africa and to the broader mission of making Earth observation work for Africa.”
The commencement of operations, effective 1 April 2026, has been carefully planned to ensure continuity of service delivery, partnerships, and ongoing programme activities. All existing partnerships, data services, and programme commitments remain firmly in place. DE Africa’s open data platform, capacity development activities, and country engagements will continue without disruption.