The key to Africa’s future development lies in outer space, according to the head of a UN-affiliated space science institute on the continent.

Dr Ganiyu Agbajea said space technology such as satellite imagery can provide a clearer picture of Africa’s natural resources which can then be used, for example, in environmental protection efforts.

Dr Agbajea is Executive Director of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education which is based in Nigeria.

Students from 24 English-speaking African countries are enrolled there.

Dianne Penn caught up with Dr Agbajea at a recent UN co-sponsored forum on space and development, held in Dubai.

Duration:  5’02”