Laying the foundations for GGOS-Africa

This record documents the foundations and vision of the GGOS-Africa initiative, presented at the first South African Geodesy Working Group Workshop (2025). The project, led by Dr Jack F. Radcliffe with contributions from A. De Witt, P. Baki, and R. Botha, is supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) through the Africa–UK physics partnership.

The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) provides a framework for monitoring the Earth’s shape, gravity field, and rotation, with critical applications across agriculture, climate services, disaster management, infrastructure, energy, and astronomy. While Africa has existing geodetic initiatives, significant disparities remain in infrastructure and access to data. GGOS-Africa aims to unify and strengthen geodetic efforts across the continent, complementing ongoing programmes such as AFREF and UN-GGIM: Africa.

The project (2025–2027) pursues five main goals:

1. Assess Africa’s geodetic infrastructure and resources.

2. Develop strategic infrastructure plans through simulations and modelling.

3. Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for early-career African geodesists.

4. Establish GGOS-Africa as a formal affiliate organisation coordinating continental activities.

5. Promote awareness of geodesy’s role in sustainable development among policymakers.

Activities include infrastructure assessments, simulation-based planning (e.g. VLBI and GNSS network development), and exploration of synergies with astronomy and space science. A phased governance model is proposed, ensuring broad African participation and equitable regional development. The first GGOS-Africa workshop is scheduled for 2026, with a long-term plan to ensure sustainability through human capital development, international partnerships, and funding expansion.

This document provides an overview of the project’s strategic vision, technical foundations, and roadmap toward establishing GGOS-Africa as a key regional affiliate within the global geodetic community.