Egypt’s first satellite production facility, situated on the outskirts of Cairo, was intended to be a groundbreaking achievement for Africa’s space ambitions. A closer examination, however, shows that the idea is heavily influenced by Chinese influence. Chinese experts supervise activities, a Chinese flag is displayed inside the facility, and satellite components are shipped from Beijing.
The plant’s first satellite, hailed as Africa’s first home-built spacecraft, was primarily constructed in China and launched from a Chinese spaceport in December 2023. This satellite lab is a component of China’s less well-known space program in Africa. Beijing has been transparent about its donations of satellites, surveillance telescopes, and ground stations. However, new research reveals that China maintains employees at these sites and has access to the information that these projects gather.
China’s Expanding Space Presence in Africa
Since 2023, China has provided Egypt with space infrastructure, such as a space monitoring center with two state-of-the-art telescopes and three Earth observation satellites. One satellite was assembled in Egypt using Chinese components, while the other two were fully manufactured and launched by China. One of these satellites is said to have military-grade surveillance capabilities.
The satellite plant is the centerpiece of Space City, a facility being developed about 30 kilometers east of Cairo. Egypt’s deepening ties with China align with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s broader economic and infrastructure cooperation under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Egyptian government did not respond to requests for comment.
Egypt is just one of many African nations embracing China’s space offerings. Beijing has established space partnerships with 23 African countries, funding satellites, ground stations, and data collection programs. Surprisingly, Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal recently decided to work with China on a lunar exploration program, putting American-led efforts in direct competition.
China is making many more investments in Africa’s space industry. During a Beijing summit in 2023, President Xi Jinping promised $50 billion in loans and investments for Africa over the following three years, with a focus on deep space exploration, satellites, and lunar research. China says these initiatives are officially intended to assist developing countries in gaining access to space technology. Sources, however, indicate that Beijing is receiving far more in exchange, including prolonged personnel placement, access to strategic data, and increased worldwide surveillance capabilities.
U.S. Response and Security Concerns
According to a US report, Washington is alarmed by China’s expanding space alliances in Africa. The Pentagon sees Beijing’s actions as a possible security risk that would allow China to improve military operations, obtain intelligence, and influence partner countries politically.
While the U.S. has not provided concrete evidence that China is using these space assets for military surveillance, security analysts warn that Beijing could leverage its presence for intelligence gathering. Powerful telescopes installed in Africa could track U.S. military satellites and support anti-satellite weapon systems. Satellite ground stations, like those China has built in Ethiopia and plans to construct in Namibia, could be used to monitor missile launches and coordinate military activities.
Despite these concerns, China dismisses accusations of espionage. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that the U.S. has no grounds to criticize China’s actions given its own extensive surveillance programs.
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