ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Côte d’Ivoire has taken a new step into international space cooperation after formally joining the Artemis Accords, becoming the 75th country to sign the framework.

Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Adama Diawara signed the agreement on behalf of Côte d’Ivoire during the Africa Space Expo in Abidjan on September 24. The development was highlighted in an announcement from the U.S. Department of State and reported by the Ivorian Press Agency on October 2.

The Artemis Accords establish principles for peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and other destinations in space. They also encourage scientific-data sharing, interoperability, emergency assistance and measures to avoid harmful interference between space activities.

Côte d’Ivoire has already been developing its national space capabilities. The country established the Ivorian Space Agency (ASCI) in 2025, with responsibilities including Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, satellite navigation and communications.

The country has also cooperated with NASA since 2019 in areas including Earth observation and geodesy, providing an existing foundation for further scientific and technical cooperation.

The new membership places Côte d’Ivoire within a growing international network working on common principles for civil space exploration and related technologies.