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Space42, a UAE-based SpaceTech company leveraging AI, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft and Esri to provide high-resolution base maps for all 54 countries in Africa.
This five-year endeavor, known as the ‘Map Africa Initiative’, aims to improve access to geospatial data for over 1.4 billion people across the continent.
Unveiled during the 2025 Esri User Conference, this collaboration seeks to address longstanding issues related to infrastructure, investment, and data accessibility by creating the most extensive mapping database ever compiled for Africa. The initiative is intended to stimulate economic growth by enhancing the flow of information to governments, businesses, and communities.
“Collaboration is fundamental to the UAE’s ethos and integral to Space42’s operations,” remarked Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42. “This partnership with Microsoft and Esri transcends technological aspects; it is strategic. Precise, high-quality mapping and the intelligence solutions derived from it are vital for sustainable growth and inclusive innovation.”
Jack Dangermond, president of Esri, expressed pride in supporting the Map Africa Initiative alongside Space42. He highlighted that transforming satellite imagery into detailed and precise base maps at a continental level necessitates advanced geospatial technology and professional workflow methodologies.
Strategies from Space42, Esri, and Microsoft to Bridge the Mapping Gap
The existing mapping landscape in Africa is often fragmented, outdated, or difficult to access, which hampers decision-makers’ effectiveness due to lack of accurate data. The Map Africa Initiative aims to remedy this by creating continent-wide, timely, and locally managed geospatial data.
Space42 will take the lead in fundraising and coordination, provide satellite imagery, and employ AI-driven digital twin models to customize the outputs. Additionally, it will spearhead research and development regarding AI models and automated map creation.
Esri will manage the production of base maps utilizing its GeoAI and remote sensing technologies while also training local teams to ensure the sustainability of mapping initiatives over the long term.
Microsoft will furnish cloud infrastructure and AI assistance through its Azure platform to facilitate large-scale data sharing and processing.
Impact Across Various Sectors
The mapping initiative is expected to be advantageous to a variety of critical sectors, including:
- Ports and logistics: Enhanced terrain mapping will facilitate better route planning and minimize inefficiencies.
- Renewable energy: Improved selection processes for solar and wind project sites.
- Security and disaster response: Enhanced monitoring of borders and natural resources, along with improved coordination during emergencies.
- Smart cities: Essential data for urban planning, service delivery, and growth in the digital economy.
The mapping data will be available for licensing to national governments, with local agencies tasked with ongoing updates. A commercial ecosystem is anticipated to develop, supported by African startups, utilizing data centers managed by G42 and Microsoft across the continent.
Significance of the MoU
This MoU bolsters Space42’s existing relationships with Microsoft and Esri, extends its presence in Africa, and opens up new revenue opportunities in analytics and licensing. Moreover, it solidifies Space42’s position as a crucial partner for governments in delivering scalable geospatial data solutions.
“This collaboration marks a significant move towards closing the intelligence gap,” stated Peng Xiao, group CEO of G42. “Alongside our partners, we will provide AI-driven insights that will allow African nations to plan more effectively, build more efficiently, and achieve sustainable growth.”
Xiao also noted that the partnership with Microsoft emphasizes their shared commitment to responsibly using AI to support underserved communities.
The UAE’s Expanding Influence
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader strategic interests. In 2024, the UAE emerged as Africa’s largest foreign investor, contributing $44 billion in capital, nearly equaling the combined investments from the UK and China.
As the national space agency of the UAE, Space42 plays a crucial role in promoting data-driven development tools and facilitating knowledge exchange between the UAE and Africa.
The initiative supports the UAE’s aspirations to lead in AI-enabled space solutions while creating new opportunities in both regions in sectors such as infrastructure, smart cities, and public services.