C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire signed the Artemis Accords on Thursday, becoming the 75th signatory and marking a major milestone for this growing coalition. With the signing ceremony in the nation\u2019s largest city, Abidjan, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire joined other like-minded nations and committed to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe United States and C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire already cooperate on Earth,\u201d said NASA\u2019s Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. \u201cToday, we expand that partnership beyond it.\u00a0Joining the Artemis Accords opens new opportunities for our scientists, engineers, and institutions to work together as humanity returns to the Moon and prepares for what comes next.\u00a0We\u2019ve aligned on the principles. The opportunities are in front of us. And now we can get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The nation\u2019s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adama Diawara signed on behalf of the country in a ceremony held during Africa Space Expo ASPEX 2026. Charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires Junaid Munir from the U.S. Department of State witnessed the ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great achievement, and important for C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s ambitions and for the rest of the African Union members,\u201d said Director General of the Space Agency of C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire Tidiane Outtara.<\/p>\n
C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire has expanded its involvement in space science and technology through years of international cooperation. Since 2019, the National Office of Technical Development of C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire and NASA have collaborated on Earth observation and geodesy, a field that measures Earth\u2019s shape, gravity, and movement. Together, the partners have advanced global geodetic networks, improved space\u2011based measurement techniques, and increased understanding of how Earth\u2019s systems interact.<\/p>\n
The country later established the Space Agency of C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire in 2025 to coordinate national efforts in Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation, and communications.<\/p>\n
In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. The Artemis Accords are the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing transparency, safety, and coordination among nations as they explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, committing nations to:<\/p>\n
Explore peaceably and transparently
\nRender aid to those in need
\nEnable access to scientific data
\nEnsure activities do not interfere with those of others
\nPreserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices<\/p>\n
By signing the Artemis Accords, nations open the door to opportunities for future lunar exploration with NASA, advancing humanity\u2019s return to the Moon, and shaping the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.<\/p>\n
Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:\u00a0<\/p>\n