Nine African countries on Tuesday agreed on modalities of setting up one of the world's largest radio telescopes that will revolutionize space science in the continent. Government officials meeting in Nairobi said the countries have finalized the harmonization of policies and laws to facilitate the installation of the radio telescope dubbed Square Kilometer Array (SKA).
"The appetite for radio astronomy initiatives in Africa has increased exponentially. Countries have agreed to cooperate in this venture that will have profound impacts on the economy," said Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Education Jacob Kaimenyi.
Policymakers and scientists from nine African countries met in Nairobi to agree on an implementation strategy for the Square Kilometer Array project.
Kaimenyi told reporters that the nine SKA partner states will contribute funds and manpower to implement the mega scientific project.
"Each country is bound by a binding Memorandum of Understanding to commit resources and skilled personnel in order to implement the project within the stated time frame," said Kaimenyi.
Kaimenyi said the project has gained traction among political leaders, scientists and policymakers owing to its multiple benefits.
"The Square Kilometer Array is expected to bring notable benefits like increased business opportunities for local industries through spin off in engineering, radio science, cyber infrastructure and information technology," Kaimenyi said.
Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa, said that countries have prepared a readiness strategy to enhance smooth implementation of the project.
"Some countries have agreed to host more than one station and share expertise. We have agreed on a formula to share benefits accrued from SKA project like big data," Mjwara told Xinhua.
Source: Source: Xinhua
