Africa's first female astronaut Sara Sabry emphasizes the need of space exploration in Africa

Sara Sabry, the first African and Arab woman to travel to space, feels that everyone should be able to explore space.On Tuesday, July 4, the founder of the Deep Space Initiative spoke at the Africa50 Infra Forum and General Shareholders Meeting in Togo's capital Lomé. During a TED Talks-style debate with Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor on Communication and Stakeholder Engagement to the President of the African Development Bank, investors and decision-makers listened closely and regularly applauded as Sara questioned their views. The topic of the conversation was "A Different View: Africa's Future Reimagined." She was adamant that regional and international efforts should be increased to allow more Africans to participate in space exploration in order to advance. "I don't believe Space should be such a closed club. "Being the first at something opens the door for others to follow," Sabry explained. "It is critical for Africa to have a seat at the table and to participate in space exploration." The demographics of individuals in space must resemble those on Earth."