Our Story
Building Africa's Space Future
The operating arm of Africa Space Ventures - a collaborative space innovation hub ensuring Africa's space innovation is built on African ground and scaled to global relevance.
The Challenge
Why Africa Needed a New Approach
Africa does not have sovereign space capability. Space infrastructure is expensive, products are mostly built abroad, and there are no African space-quality manufacturers.
The traditional approach to spacecraft - building where you design - is too expensive. Systems houses have a monopoly on price, and constellations cannot close their business plans.
The US/EU venture capital model doesn't fit Africa well. There's a valley of death between grant funding and seed investment, deal flow is near-impossible, and exits are difficult.
Our Solution
Venture Studio 'Lite' Model
IP and systems-independent spacecraft manufacturing. Distributed innovation. Centralised assembly.
Horizontal Integration
Distributed manufacturing, centralised excellence. Massively lower overheads through horizontal integration across Africa's growing space ecosystem.
Lift As You Rise
Through shared infrastructure, mentorship, and venture-building support, companies grow faster and stronger — without growing alone. Every success lifts the entire African space industry.
Sovereign Capability
Building African space independence. Local manufacturing, local talent, international markets. Africa doesn't need to depend on foreign satellites.
The Journey
30+ Years in the Making
SIL Founded
Space Innovations Limited - James's first space venture
SSBV Founded
Satellite Services BV established in Europe
Moved to SA
James relocates to Western Cape, South Africa
NewSpace Systems
Founded what became Africa's largest commercial space company
NewCraft Founded
New spacecraft manufacturing venture launched
Cape Constellation
Africa's premier space-tech incubator opens
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
Learn about the leadership driving Africa's space revolution.
Meet Our Leadership