Iliass Tanouti : visionary of African space and champion of sustainable development
On the release of Drawing from Above, a collective work published by the association Je m’engage pour l’Afrique, aerospace engineer and Constellr vice president Iliass Tanouti shares his vision of the African space industry as a catalyst for sustainable development.
Born in Tangier in 1997, Iliass Tanouti is a pioneer in the African space industry. Graduating in aerospace engineering from the University of Manchester and in interdisciplinary space studies from the International Space University, Iliass quickly rose through the ranks, advancing from engineering internships at Thales Alenia Space to leadership roles at Constellr, a company specializing in space thermal data for agriculture and environmental needs. In 2020, he was ranked among the Top 10 Young Africans Under 30 in the space sector, a distinction that highlights his commitment to the continent.
My dream is to see Africa fully leverage space technologies to address pressing issues such as food security and access to water resources
Alongside his professional achievements, Iliass has been a passionate advocate for public policy in Africa. He collaborated with the Space Generation Advisory Council and served as an ambassador for the International Space University, strengthening ties between African actors and major space organizations. “My dream is to see Africa fully leverage space technologies to address pressing issues such as food security and access to water resources,” he says.
By investing in space, Africa can accelerate its development and become an indispensable player on the world stage
In 2024, through Je m’engage pour l’Afrique (JMA), Iliass leads the publication of Drawing from Above, a unique book aimed at raising awareness among African policymakers of the many benefits the space industry can bring. The goal? To provide a roadmap to transform space into a strategic lever for African development. “The space industry offers concrete solutions for African challenges. By investing in space, Africa can accelerate its development and become an indispensable player on the world stage,” he explains in the book.
Space technologies offer precise and innovative solutions to optimize resources, strengthen infrastructures, and open new economic opportunities for the youth of the continent
Drawing from Above does not simply outline Africa’s current capabilities in space. It also presents inspiring case studies and practical recommendations. Chapters written by a team of international experts address space innovations across various fields, such as agro-industry, the blue economy, and infrastructure. “Space technologies offer precise and innovative solutions to optimize resources, strengthen infrastructures, and open new economic opportunities for the youth of the continent,” he emphasizes, underscoring the importance of youth in the future of the space sector.
To fully tap this potential, we need an integrated approach combining public and private investment, infrastructure development, and specialized training
The JMA publication also sets out the key steps to build an autonomous space ecosystem, illustrated by the example of Morocco. Iliass describes how a solid strategic framework and investments in training and infrastructure can position each African country as a key player. “To fully tap this potential, we need an integrated approach combining public and private investment, infrastructure development, and specialized training,” he concludes.
Through this project, Iliass Tanouti continues to embody a new generation of African leaders. His innovative vision for space is already inspiring many young people across the continent, convinced that technology can be a driving force for sustainable development. For Iliass, space is not an end in itself, but a means of creating a stronger, more resilient, and innovation-driven Africa.
