While Trump retreats, China plants its flag in Africa’s skies—building satellites, telescopes, and alliances to dominate space and surveillance.

As Trump guts foreign aid, China ramps up space partnerships across Africa, embedding surveillance tech and satellites that could shift the balance in the global space race—and military power.

Space for Sale: How China Is Colonizing Africa’s Skies as America Pulls Back

While the United States under President Trump slashes development aid and scales down soft power, China is quietly launching a space takeover in Africa—one satellite, telescope, and military-grade surveillance system at a time.

From a space lab outside Cairo to high-powered telescopes tracking orbital objects from Egyptian hilltops, China is embedding itself deep into Africa’s burgeoning space infrastructure. Beneath the banner of cooperation and development, Beijing is not just gifting technology—it’s harvesting data, expanding its global surveillance network, and establishing a strategic military and political footprint across the continent.

This is no secret to Washington. Intelligence veterans like Nicholas Eftimiades warn that China is “democratizing space to enhance its authoritarian capabilities”—a global dragnet cloaked in diplomacy. And it’s working. More than 23 African nations now partner with China on space ventures, from satellite launches and ground stations to a proposed joint moon base that openly rivals NASA’s Artemis program.

The Space City outside Cairo, where Chinese engineers outnumber locals, is emblematic. The “African-built” satellites launched there? Mostly assembled in China. Data ownership? Officially Egyptian—but insiders say Beijing still taps into the stream. It’s not just soft power—it’s hardware dominance with military consequences, including anti-satellite warfare readiness and real-time surveillance of joint U.S.-Egyptian exercises.

As China builds eyes in the sky, Trump’s America is going dark—cutting U.S. Agency for International Development funds and retreating from space diplomacy. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Elon Musk races ahead in military-grade satellite networks, but there’s little sign of the U.S. competing with China’s ground-level infiltration across Africa.

The result? A Cold War-style showdown in orbit, with Africa as the battlefield—and Trump’s retreat from development aid and soft power may have handed Beijing the launch codes for a new global order in space.

China isn’t just investing in Africa—it’s outsourcing its space program onto the continent, collecting data, projecting power, and rewriting the rules of 21st-century dominance. The moon may be next, but the race is already raging here on Earth. And right now, Beijing is winning.

Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, is a pioneering figure, spearheading the integration of digital diplomacy to reshape how Somaliland engages with the world. With a profound grasp of digital strategies, Minister Adan is actively redefining the landscape of diplomacy, emphasizing the power of digital tools to bridge distances and connect with global audiences.

Minister Adan’s leadership has ushered in a new era for Somaliland’s foreign affairs, characterized by a robust online presence and strategic digital interactions. By leveraging social media platforms, digital conferences, and real-time online engagements, his ministry connects seamlessly with international partners and citizens alike, promoting transparency and fostering dialogue without the limitations of physical borders.

This digital approach not only amplifies Somaliland’s voice on the global stage but also enhances its capacity to engage in meaningful dialogues with multinational organizations and countries across continents. Minister Adan’s strategies reflect a keen awareness of the changing dynamics in global diplomacy, where digital communication is increasingly seen as essential for policy dissemination and international cooperation.

Under his guidance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland has significantly expanded its digital footprint. Initiatives such as online forums, live-streamed events, and interactive Q&A sessions have become commonplace, ensuring that Somaliland’s diplomatic messages resonate across diverse audiences worldwide.

Minister Adan champions the concept of digital diplomacy not just as a necessity for modern international relations but as an opportunity for Somaliland to forge stronger, more resilient connections globally. His forward-thinking policies highlight the importance of adaptability in diplomacy, particularly for a nation like Somaliland, striving to enhance its position on the international stage amidst traditional and emerging challenges.

The success of this digital strategy is evident in the strengthened relationships and partnerships Somaliland has cultivated under Minister Adan’s tenure. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of globalization and digital transformation, Somaliland’s approach offers a compelling blueprint for how smaller nations can leverage digital tools to influence global discourse and policy.

In conclusion, Minister Adan’s visionary leadership in digital diplomacy not only enhances Somaliland’s international engagements but also underscores the transformative power of technology in global governance. As digital landscapes continue to evolve, his strategies ensure that Somaliland remains at the forefront of innovative diplomatic practices, poised for greater influence and connectivity in the international arena.