Beyond Boundaries 2026 | U.S.–Africa Policy Forum on Space, Energy, Aviation and Technology
Beyond Boundaries 2026: U.S.–Africa Policy, Space, Energy, Aviation, Security and Technology Forum
Register for BB26A working room for U.S.–Africa policy, investment, and commercial diplomacy.
Beyond Boundaries 2026 convenes policymakers, diplomats, investors, industry executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, and diaspora leaders to advance practical partnerships across space, energy, aviation, technology, and strategic infrastructure.
The forum is designed around credible market intelligence, high-value relationships, and concrete pathways from policy conversations to commercial outcomes.
Dr. Zolana João
Director General
National Office for Space Management (GGPEN)
Republic of Angola
Featured speaker at Beyond Boundaries 2025
Five sectors shaping shared security and competitiveness.
Each discussion connects policy, finance, institutional capacity, and real market opportunity.
Space
Earth observation, satellite communications, agency partnerships, infrastructure, and market access.
Energy
Energy security, transition, industrial capacity, critical minerals, and project finance.
Aviation
Connectivity, logistics, aerospace workforce, route development, and regional integration.
Technology & AI
Digital infrastructure, data centers, AI applications, cloud systems, and workforce development.
Commercial Diplomacy
Government-to-business engagement, strategic partnerships, investment facilitation, and diaspora bridges.
Leaders shaping the conversation.
Additional speakers and institutional partners will be announced as confirmations are finalized.
Michelle Herman
Michelle Herman examines long-range developments in space policy, governance, technology, and international cooperation. At Beyond Boundaries 2026, she will bring foresight on the African Space Agency and the future of Africa’s space ecosystem.
Read Michelle’s paper →
Nneka S. Achapu
Nneka S. Achapu is a public affairs strategist and commercial diplomacy leader advancing U.S.–Africa partnerships across space, aviation, technology, investment, and public policy. She is the convener of Beyond Boundaries 2026.
Continental Ambitions, Uncertain Paths
Michelle Herman’s new paper explores the African Space Agency’s possible role through 2040 and examines how governance, technology, sovereignty, and resource choices could shape the continent’s space future.
Read the PaperContinental Ambitions, Uncertain Paths: The African Space Agency’s Role Through 2040
The paper uses five scenarios to assess how the African Space Agency may evolve as national programs, continental coordination, technology, financing, and sovereignty considerations interact.
Open on Aerospace CSPS →The conversations, partnerships, and relationships that shaped Beyond Boundaries.
Beyond Boundaries has become a trusted platform connecting U.S. government leaders, African policymakers, diplomats, commercial space executives, investors, researchers, and innovators. These moments from previous forums reflect the relationships and dialogue that continue to shape the 2026 program.
International Relations Specialist, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Dr. Claire Nelson
Chief Ideation Leader, The Futures Forum
Dr. Nola Haynes
Georgetown University
Col. Nello Violetti
Space Attaché, Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C.
Senior Director of Civil Space
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
U.S. Department of State
Marchel Holle
Varda Space Industries
CEO, Satlyt
Natasha Molele
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Nneka Achapu
CEO, Asha Strategies & Skyward Africa
Dr. Zolana João
Director General, GGPEN – Angola National Space Agency
Matt Petit
Mission Manager, Vannevar; Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council GeoTech Center
Amber McIntyre
Senior Director of Civil Space, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Maureen Farrell
Vice President, Valar
One afternoon. Four strategic conversations.
Program and speaker details remain subject to confirmation.
Welcome and Strategic Context
Opening remarks from the conveners and institutional partners.
Africa’s Space Economy: From Diplomacy to Deals
Commercial access, satellite applications, agency priorities, infrastructure, and U.S.–Africa collaboration.
Technology, AI, Financing & Digital Infrastructure
A combined technology and financing panel covering development finance, investment, data centers, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, digital sovereignty, and bankable technology projects.
Energy Security, Critical Minerals & Aviation Connectivity
Energy systems, industrial capacity, critical minerals, trade corridors, logistics, aerospace workforce, and regional competitiveness.
Commercial Diplomacy, Closing Dialogue & Networking Reception
Government-to-business partnerships, investment facilitation, diaspora bridges, and continued conversations with policymakers, diplomats, investors, and industry leaders.
Join Beyond Boundaries 2026.
Register to take part in a focused U.S.–Africa policy and commercial diplomacy forum in Washington, D.C.
Become a Strategic Sponsor
Position your organization before government leaders, African delegations, industry executives, universities, investors, and diaspora professionals through brand visibility, curated engagement, and thought leadership opportunities.
Questions
Key information for attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners.