Advancing South Africa’s Earth Observation and Space Ecosystem through Partnerships, Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Community Collaboration
The 2026 NEOSS Communities of Practice (CoP) Integrated Workshop and Capacity-Building Training will take place from 27–28 July 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC), Tshwane, South Africa.
The event marks an important milestone in the evolution of South Africa’s Earth Observation and Space community, building on previous efforts to establish Communities of Practice, strengthen capacity, and drive national uptake of Earth Observation and Space data, information, and knowledge. Under the theme “Advancing South Africa’s Earth Observation and Space Ecosystem through Partnerships, Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Community Collaboration,” the event will focus on empowering communities, strengthening collaboration, and advancing the platforms, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms required to transform Earth Observation and Space data and information into actionable knowledge and Earth Intelligence.
The workshop will also mark the commencement of a new three-year leadership cycle for the Communities of Practice, providing an opportunity to introduce newly appointed Co-Chairs, reflect on achievements to date, and discuss future strategic priorities and work plans. Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening collaboration across government, academia, industry, and civil society to support coordinated action and greater impact.
The capacity-building training, organised in collaboration with national and international partners, will provide practical training on the SA-GEO Knowledge Hub, including its community-driven approach to co-designing and co-developing knowledge products, knowledge packages, and resources that respond to national priorities and user needs. Participants will explore how the platform enables stakeholders to contribute data, information, tools, case studies, methodologies, and expertise while collectively transforming these resources into accessible and reusable knowledge for decision-making and societal benefit.
The training will also introduce participants to the SA-GEO Marketplace, a new platform designed to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and engagement between knowledge providers, users, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the private sector within the Earth Observation and Space ecosystem.
27 July 2026 – Capacity-Building Training
28 July 2026 – Integrated Communities of Practice (CoP) Workshop
Reasons to attend
Attending the 2026 NEOSS Communities of Practice Integrated Workshop and Capacity-Building Training provides a unique opportunity to engage with South Africa’s growing Earth Observation and Space ecosystem and contribute to the advancement of Earth Intelligence for national development.
Participants will gain practical experience in using the SA-GEO Knowledge Hub, including contributing and accessing data, information, tools, case studies, and other resources, while learning how communities can collaboratively co-design and co-develop knowledge products and knowledge packages that support evidence-based decision-making and address national priorities.
The training will introduce the newly established SA-GEO Marketplace, providing insight into how the platform can facilitate collaboration, innovation, service delivery, and stronger engagement between public institutions, academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and end-users of Earth Observation and Space solutions.
The workshop will provide a platform for engagement with the newly appointed Communities of Practice leadership and the next generation of CoP strategies, enabling stakeholders to contribute to the future direction, priorities, and activities of the communities over the next three years.
Participants will contribute to strengthening a connected and collaborative community that transforms Earth Observation and Space data and information into knowledge, insights, and Earth Intelligence that support national priorities, informed decision-making, and sustainable development.