A new Abu Dhabi- and Microsoft-backed initiative, Map Africa, aims to transform how the continent is planned, governed, and protected by building a live, continuously updated digital map of all 54 African countries. The initiative combines satellite imagery from Abu Dhabi’s Space42, software from Esri, and cloud infrastructure from Microsoft.
With these tools, Map Africa will track everything from roads and ports to floods, farms, and informal settlements, aiming to provide high-resolution data of the continent. Unlike past fragmented efforts, Map Africa focuses on continental harmonization while giving national governments ownership of their data.
The initiative also promises commercial opportunities for startups and job creation for Africa’s youth. Still in its early stages, the project targets full coverage by 2030, with major implications for urban planning, climate resilience, and economic development.
