Space Science for Development: Radio Astronomy in Africa

The Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) is a transformative initiative that uses space science to build high-tech skills, drive innovation, and support sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Since its launch in 2015, DARA has trained over 300 students in eight African countries, with a growing focus on data science, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.

Radio astronomy is more than science—it’s a catalyst for development, innovation, and opportunity

Historical Context

DARA began as a Royal Society-funded pilot in Ghana, led by Professor Melvin Hoare. It expanded rapidly through Newton Fund support, becoming a flagship UK-South Africa partnership. The project aligns with the deployment of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)—the world’s largest radio telescope—across South Africa and eight partner countries.

Explore DARA website

Key Achievements

Basic training in radio astronomy delivered to hundreds of graduates
Advanced MSc and PhD programmes in the UK and Africa
Postdoctoral fellowships now established in African institutions
Hackathons and Big Data schools to build machine learning capacity
Training at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa

DARA Big Data & Hack4Dev

DARA has been a catalyst for several aligned initiatives. The DARA Big Data programme delivered technical training in AI and data science, equipping student in eight countries - Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia - to analyse SKA data and apply these skills to local challenges like agriculture, water management, and deforestation.

Hack4Dev, a DARA-supported initiative, uses hackathons to accelerate learning and foster innovation. These events bring together students from diverse backgrounds to solve real-world problems using space science and data analytics.

Global recognition

DARA has received accolades such as the Better Satellite World Award for its role in bringing space science to developing economies. It exemplifies how astronomy can be a gateway to broader STEM skills and economic empowerment.

Capacity Building and Inclusion

Recent expansions include training students from historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa, ensuring equitable access to space science education. The programme also supports female scientists and promotes diversity in STEM.

Looking Ahead

Phase 3 of DARA (2024–2027) is funded by the International Science Partnerships Fund and aims to:

Establish sustainable research groups in each partner country
Expand training in Earth observation and entrepreneurship
Deepen collaborations with industry and government

Funding boost for space science project

Researchers in focus

Melvin Hoare John Ilee