Space42, Microsoft, Esri Partner to Enhance Africa Mapping

Space42, the UAE-based global SpaceTech enterprise powered by artificial intelligence and a part of technology conglomerate G42, has joined forces with Microsoft and Esri in a landmark agreement that could reshape the geospatial landscape of Africa. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) heralds the launch of the "Map Africa Initiative," a strategic collaboration that aims to deliver high-resolution, scalable base maps covering all 54 African countries. This project is positioned to serve over 1.4 billion people, making it the most ambitious and comprehensive base mapping effort the continent has ever witnessed. Through this initiative, critical deficiencies in infrastructure, institutional mapping, and investment planning are expected to be addressed with precision and scale.

Laying the Digital Foundations for Development

Africa has long grappled with the absence of consistent, accurate, and accessible geospatial data. In many regions, decision-makers operate using outdated or incomplete maps, which significantly hampers progress in infrastructure, governance, and private sector investments. The Map Africa Initiative is poised to change this reality. Over the next five years, this collaboration will introduce a dynamic and interoperable mapping system that promises to be both scalable and locally responsive. At its core, the project seeks to empower African and UAE stakeholders by offering refined data systems that improve governance, urban planning, and business operations.

Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, said, “Partnership is core to the UAE’s DNA, and is central to how Space42 operates. This collaboration with Microsoft and Esri is more than technical; it’s strategic. It advances Space42’s business priorities, strengthens our role as a trusted partner to governments, and delivers meaningful benefits to communities across Africa. Accurate, high-quality mapping and the intelligence solutions built on it are essential for growth, resilience, and inclusive innovation. With reliable data, communities and economies prosper.”

Jack Dangermond, President of Esri, said, "We are proud to support the Map Africa Initiative in partnership with Space42. Transforming satellite imagery into detailed, accurate base maps at a continental scale requires advanced geospatial technology and professional production workflows. These same capabilities have supported similar national and regional mapping efforts around the world. With Map Africa, we are helping to establish a foundational resource that will drive infrastructure planning, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent."

A Triumvirate of Technological Strengths

The success of this initiative hinges on the synergistic capabilities of the three participating entities. Space42 will take the helm in project management and capital mobilization, leveraging its network of sovereign satellite infrastructure and commercial partnerships. Its expertise in AI-powered Digital Twin technology will play a pivotal role in transforming raw satellite data into smart, actionable maps tailored to specific use cases. The company will also spearhead R&D efforts to develop next-generation AI models for automated cartography.

Esri, a global authority in GIS and remote sensing, will oversee the technical workflows for base map generation. Its GeoAI capabilities and longstanding expertise in spatial data management will anchor the core production processes, while its regional presence will ensure that local teams are trained and operationalized for long-term map maintenance. Microsoft’s contribution comes through its Azure cloud infrastructure, offering a secure, scalable platform to process, store, and disseminate data efficiently across the continent. Together, these organizations bring an ecosystem-level approach to mapping, one that is technologically advanced, locally inclusive, and globally aligned.

Transforming Industries and Unlocking Potential

The implications of this mapping initiative extend far beyond geography. With accurate spatial intelligence, a broad spectrum of African industries stands to benefit. In logistics and transportation, improved terrain and infrastructure mapping can dramatically streamline route planning and enhance the continent’s competitiveness as a logistics hub. For the renewable energy sector, better site analysis will enable more efficient solar and wind farm placement, directly impacting energy output and investment yields. Governments will gain advanced tools for border surveillance, resource tracking, and emergency response, strengthening national security and disaster preparedness. In urban planning, the initiative provides the foundational data needed for smart city development, digital governance, and public service optimization.

Building Sovereignty Through Data Ownership

A notable component of the Map Africa Initiative is its commitment to data sovereignty. Rather than centralizing information control, the project will license map data to national governments and empower National Mapping Agencies to maintain and update datasets over time. This approach ensures long-term sustainability, fosters local accountability, and encourages regional innovation. It also plants the seeds for a homegrown geospatial economy, enabling African startups to build applications and services atop this new digital foundation. Data centers managed jointly by G42 and Microsoft will be established across Africa to house this vital infrastructure, ensuring both security and accessibility.

Strategic Significance for Space42’s Global Vision

For Space42, the Map Africa Initiative represents a key milestone in its evolution from a regional player to a global technology partner. Beyond the immediate deliverables of mapping and data integration, the initiative enables Space42 to expand its commercial footprint across Africa, building new channels for analytics, licensing, and infrastructure partnerships. Its collaboration with two global tech giants, Microsoft and Esri, reinforces its credibility and signals its capacity to lead large-scale, high-impact digital transformation projects. In essence, this project acts as a gateway for Space42 to embed itself within Africa’s digital growth story while reinforcing its identity as a leader in AI-enabled geospatial intelligence.

Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer at G42, said, “We believe intelligence is the foundation for societal progress, yet it remains out of reach for millions across the Global South. This partnership is a decisive step toward closing that gap. Together with our partners, we will deliver AI-powered insights that enable African nations to plan smarter, build better, and grow more sustainably and responsibly. From agricultural optimization and natural resource management to strengthening public services infrastructure and economic empowerment, this partnership will help turn data into development, and intelligence into impact.”

“G42’s partnership with Microsoft represents a shared commitment to harnessing AI as a global force for good. Together, we are building the infrastructure and applications that will extend the benefits of intelligence to communities across the world, transforming lives through technology that is trusted, responsible, and inclusive.”

An Extension of the UAE’s Investment Diplomacy

The initiative also aligns with the broader strategic goals of the United Arab Emirates. As Africa’s largest foreign investor, with $44 billion invested in 2024 alone, the UAE sees the continent as a key partner in its innovation and investment agenda. Space42’s involvement in geospatial mapping exemplifies how Emirati companies are translating financial capital into long-term developmental value. By exporting its AI and space technology capabilities, the UAE not only facilitates Africa’s digital transformation but also strengthens bilateral relations and opens new markets for future engagement.

Catalyzing Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Ecosystems

The collaborative nature of this initiative also supports transnational knowledge exchange. As African institutions become proficient in managing geospatial data, they simultaneously benefit from exposure to cutting-edge AI models and cloud technologies. This fosters a culture of innovation that can accelerate Africa’s transition into a digitally empowered economy. For the UAE, this cross-pollination of expertise deepens its technological alliances and enhances its reputation as a global leader in space-tech diplomacy.

Shaping the Digital Cartography of Tomorrow

Ultimately, the Map Africa Initiative is more than a mapping project; it is a digital infrastructure campaign with the potential to reimagine how governments and industries operate across Africa. By integrating satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, the partnership offers a model for how digital technologies can be harnessed for sustainable development. With Space42 at the helm, supported by the world-class platforms of Microsoft and Esri, Africa is set to enter a new era of geospatial awareness, one where informed decisions, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive growth are made possible by data that truly reflects the world on the ground.