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Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun

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Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun
Born
Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun

(1994-08-06) 6 August 1994 (age 30)
Okaka, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Alma materFederal University of Technology, Akure
University of Strathclyde
University of Delaware
Occupation(s)Businessperson
Space scientist

Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun is a Nigerian space scientist and businessperson.[1][2] He is the founder of Space in Africa[3] and the former regional coordinator for Space Generation Advisory Council for Africa.[4][5]

In 2021, Oniosun was listed as one of Forbes Africa's 30 under 30 for his contributions to the space and satellite industry.[6]

Early life and education

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Oniosun was born in Okaka and grew up in Oyo, Nigeria where he had his primary and secondary education.[4] He graduated with a bachelor of technology degree in meteorology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2016,[7] has a master's degree in satellite applications from the University of Strathclyde Glasgow,[8] and a PhD from the University of Delaware, USA with a dissertation on the “Political Economy of Space Development in Africa[9]

Career

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In May 2015, as a student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, he led the University space club to launch a balloon to space in a contest.[10]

In 2016, he was the recipient of the International Astronautical Federation Emerging Space Leadership Award for his work in the space industry.[11][12]

He was elected the regional coordinator for Africa for the Space Generation Advisory Council in February 2017 and re-elected for a second term in 2019.[13]

Oniosun is a YouthMappers fellow where he led students to create and utilize open data and open source software for geographic information directly related to development objectives in unmapped places of the world where US Agency for International Development (USAID) works to end poverty. In 2017, he led a team to solve the problem of urban waste in Akure, Nigeria.

In 2018, he received the 35 under 35 space industry recognition award by the International Institute of Space Commerce (IISC).[14] In the same year, Oniosun founded Space in Africa as a platform that covers business, technology, discoveries, events and political information on the African space and satellite industry.[11] In April 2018, he was featured on BellaNaija's Under 25 series of young Nigerians under 25 who are influencing and disrupting the world of Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Governance and Corporate World.[15]

Oniosun speaks at conferences across the world and regularly appears on various media calling for more government investment in space programs in Africa[2] and leading conversations around the African Space and satellite Industry. He also comments regularly on the African space program on various media.[1]

In 2018, he was a recipient of the International Astronautical Federation Emerging Space Leaders Grant Award[16] and was listed in Newspace People 2018/2019 Global Ranking of the top 200 movers and shakers in Newspace.[17]

In June 2019, he led Space in Africa in raising seed investment from AC Ventures from Florida.[18]

In June 2020, he was selected as part of the inaugural Karman Fellowship programme.[19] The fellows are considered to be change-makers and global leaders who are shaping the future of space.

In July 2020, while speaking on Sunday Extra on Australian Broadcasting Corporation, he explained how African countries are looking to space to solve problems on the ground.[20]

He is an advisor to Proudly Human, an initiative of which is the Off-World Project, a series of habitation experiments in Earth's most extreme environments.[21] Oniosun has led several strategy and policy consulting projects for both government and commercial stakeholders. In 2021 he led the African Union Commission baseline studies on the four-space segments and the socio-economic benefits for the establishment and operationalization of the African Space Agency.[22][23]

Recognition and Media Features

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Oniosun has received widespread recognition for his contributions to Africa’s space sector and policy leadership. He was named to Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list in 2021 for his work in the satellite industry,[24] and has been featured in major international media outlets including CNN,[25] BBC[26] and CNBC[27] where he is frequently cited for commentary on space technology, policy, and Africa’s growing role in the global space economy.

He is a regular speaker at high-level conferences and diplomatic events across the world. In April 2024, he was invited to speak at the Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum in Washington, D.C. The panel included representatives from NASA, the U.S. Department of State, and African diplomatic missions.[28]

Global Roles and Affiliations

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In addition to his entrepreneurial and academic work, Oniosun holds several prominent global positions. He is a Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab,[29] where he explores the intersection of space technologies, policy, and innovation. He also serves as a Council Member on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Space Technologies,[29] contributing to strategies on the role of space in sustainable development and global cooperation. In 2024, he was appointed a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, where he provides expertise on Africa’s emerging space economy and its role in international policy and diplomacy.[29]

Space in Africa and Company Growth

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In 2018, Oniosun founded Space in Africa, a media, analytics, and consulting firm focused on the African space and satellite industry.[30] The company is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and has since expanded with an office in Tallinn, Estonia.[31]

Notably, the firm’s annual African Space Industry Annual Reports, first released in 2019, have become authoritative references. The 2019 edition alone valued Africa’s space industry at over US $7 billion, with projections to exceed US $10 billion by 2024.[32]

NewSpace Africa Conference

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In 2018, Oniosun founded the NewSpace Africa Conference,[33] an annual gathering that brings together policymakers, space agency officials, private companies, and academic experts. The conference has been hosted in Kenya,[34] Côte d’Ivoire,[35] Angola,[36] and, in 2025, was held in Cairo, Egypt.[37]

The 2025 edition took place from April 21 to 24 at Egypt Space City, with the theme "Empowering Africa’s Economy through Space‑Driven Innovation".[38] It featured over 500 expert delegates and 400 exhibitors from more than 65 countries.[39]

Crucially, the conference served as the venue for the official inauguration of the African Space Agency, which was formalized during the event in April 2025 in Cairo.[40]

International Diplomacy & Policy

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Oniosun has significantly influenced international space policy and global cooperation strategies:

  • In 2023, he co-authored a special report for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) titled “China’s Space Collaboration with Africa: Implications and Recommendations for the United States”, which analysed geopolitical dynamics and their effects on Africa’s space sector.[41]
  • In July 2024, he was featured in the Atlantic Council’s AfricaSource blog, in an article authored by himself, titled “Why the United States needs a robust strategy for space cooperation with Africa”. It emphasized the need for stronger US–Africa space partnerships and highlighted African nations’ commitments through agreements like the Artemis Accords.[42]
  • In January 2025, he spearheaded the launch of the €100 million Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme, an initiative by the European Commission under its Global Gateway strategy. The programme was officially unveiled during the NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo, Egypt, and is set to run until 2028 to enhance institutional capacity, early warning systems, and private-sector engagement across Africa.[43]

Local Development & Philanthropy

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In June 2023, the Temidayo Oniosun Foundation donated a ₦15 million ICT centre to Okaka Grammar School in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, complete with modern computers and Starlink-powered high-speed internet to bridge the digital divide.[44] The centre serves as a community tech hub, providing training in basic and advanced digital skills to hundreds of local youth.

Additionally, the foundation benefits students by covering annual UTME (JAMB) fees, WAEC tuition, and providing scholarships, aiming to ensure youth access to tertiary education through mentorship and financial support.[45]

Angel Investing

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He is an investor in multiple African startups. Since 2021, he has backed founders directly and through an angel syndicate, where he has invested in over 40 early-stage companies focused on solving local challenges with scalable solutions.[46]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Temidayo Oniosun". The China Africa Project. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  2. ^ a b Mwendera, Karen (11 August 2019). "From Africa To Mars". Forbes Africa. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  3. ^ "Sudan launches first satellite, with China's help". RFI. 19 November 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  4. ^ a b Mwendera, Karen (15 December 2018). "Africa Takes to the Stratosphere and Beyond". Forbes Africa. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  5. ^ "BBC World Service - Newsday, Ethiopia goes into space". BBC. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Forbes Africa #30Under30 List: CLASS OF 2021 Change-Makers In A Historic Year - Forbes Africa".
  7. ^ Africa, Space in (10 January 2019). "3 Africans make Newspace People top 200 Global leaders". Space in Africa. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun, Managing Director Space in Africa | | The Karman Project". www.karmanproject.org. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  9. ^ Oniosun, Temidayo. "Temidayo Oniosun, Ph.D.'s Post".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ "FUTA students launch balloon in space contest". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  11. ^ a b "Nigerian student, Isaiah wins Emerging Space Leaders grant". guardian.ng. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  12. ^ "Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme | Iaf". www.iafastro.org. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  13. ^ Ghosh, Avishek (10 January 2019). "Results of Regional Coordinator Election in the African Region". Space Generation Advisory Council. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  14. ^ sam. "The 2018 35 Under 35 Award Winners". The International Institute of Space Commerce. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  15. ^ Nwosu, I. K. (10 April 2018). "#The25Series: Meet Oniosun Temidayo Isaiah, the 23-year old who wants to make Africa the Next Frontier in the Space Industry". BellaNaija. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  16. ^ "IAF Emerging Space Leaders 2018 | Iaf". www.iafastro.org. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  17. ^ Africa, Space in (10 January 2019). "3 Africans make Newspace People top 200 Global leaders". Space in Africa. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  18. ^ "Space in Africa". iAfrikan. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  19. ^ "The Karman Project announces inaugural cohort for Karman Fellowship Programme | The Karman Project". www.karmanproject.org. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  20. ^ "African countries are looking to space to solve problems on the ground". ABC Radio National. 26 July 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  21. ^ "The Team". Proudly Human.
  22. ^ Federation, International Astronautical. "IAF : Temidayo ONIOSUN". www.iafastro.org.
  23. ^ "UD doctoral student named to Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 | UDaily". www.udel.edu.
  24. ^ Larnyoh, Magdalene Teiko (2 June 2021). "Here is a list of Africa's 30 Under 30 for 2021 according to Forbes". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  25. ^ Gunia, Amy (17 July 2024). "Why Africa is doubling down on its space ambitions". CNN. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  26. ^ "BBC World Service - Africa Daily, Why are so many countries saying yes to… | Temidayo Oniosun, Ph.D." www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  27. ^ "China builds space alliances in Africa as Trump cuts foreign aid". www.cnbcafrica.com. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  28. ^ "Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum - Advancing Dialogue for the Expanding Constellation of Global Actors". Issuu. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  29. ^ a b c "Temidayo Oniosun". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  30. ^ "About Us". Space in Africa. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  31. ^ "Contact Us". Space in Africa. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  32. ^ "AfricaCom Interview: Temidayo Oniosun on Africa's space and satellite industry". www.connectingafrica.com. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  33. ^ "Newspace Africa Conference 2025". Newspace Africa Conference. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  34. ^ "Movemeback - Exciting African opportunities". www.movemeback.com. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  35. ^ "NewSpace Africa Conference 2023". ESPI. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  36. ^ "NewSpace Africa Conference 2024". CIFOR-ICRAF. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  37. ^ "For 1st time, Egypt hosts 'NewSpace Africa 2025' Conference". EgyptToday. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  38. ^ "NewSpace Africa Conference 2025". ESPI. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  39. ^ "Newspace Africa Conference 2025". Newspace Africa Conference. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  40. ^ Aweys, Khadar (29 April 2025). "The Inauguration of the African Space Agency and the NewSpace Africa Conference". Somali National News Agency. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  41. ^ Newswire, Federal. "China investing in Africa's space programs". Federal Newswire. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  42. ^ atripp (22 July 2024). "Why the United States needs a robust strategy for space cooperation with Africa". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  43. ^ Ghana, Galaxy Aerospace (22 April 2025). "Africa EU Space Programme Launched On The Sidelines Of The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference". Galaxy Aerospace Ghana. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  44. ^ Sulaimon, Adekunle (9 June 2023). "Foundation donates N15m ICT centre to Oyo communities". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  45. ^ "Temidayo Oniosun Foundation Donates N15m ICT Centre to Oke Ogun Community". Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  46. ^ Oladunmade, Muktar (26 May 2025). "A guide to cap tables, according to Temidayo Oniosun". TechCabal. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
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