Home | Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory
The PACS e-Lab is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing STEM education across Africa through hands-on activities in astronomy and space science.
Our slogan is: “Bringing the Stars to Your Doorsteps.”
Across many educational institutions in Africa, particularly at the secondary school and university levels, access to quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education remains limited. Many schools lack adequately trained educators, practical learning resources, and exposure to real-world academic research. As a result, students often perceive STEM subjects as abstract, difficult, inaccessible, or irrelevant to their everyday lives
Through international collaborations and digital tools, we use space science and astronomy as engaging entry points to strengthen STEM learning. Learners gain access to real scientific tools, authentic data, and sustained mentorship, enabling them to develop practical skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry while actively participating in global research projects. For more information, check out the activities highlighted below and the introductory video above
They Spark Natural Curiosity: When students encounter topics such as exoplanets or the origin of the universe, they trigger deep questions. That curiosity becomes a gateway into: Physics (gravity, motion), Mathematics (calculations, modeling), and Chemistry (planetary atmospheres)
They Are Interdisciplinary by Nature: Astronomy combines multiple STEM fields: stellar processes Physics), orbital mechanics (Math), data analysis & simulations (Computer science), telescopes and spacecraft (Engineering). So, Students are exposed to multiple career pathways at once.
They Introduce Role Models and Career Awareness: Students are usually inspired by Astronauts, Aerospace engineers, and Astrophysicists (Albert Einstein, Steven Hawking, etc)
2. To equip African learners with comprehensive training and accessible resources through space and astronomy activities, enabling them to build strong foundations and competencies in STEM disciplines.
3. To foster strong, sustainable collaborations with national space agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, and science organizations across Africa, promoting the integration of space-based learning approaches into broader STEM education strategies.
4. To serve as a trusted intermediary, facilitating equitable and impactful collaborations in space science and astronomy between Africa and developed countries, ensuring mutual benefit and long-term partnerships.
Our science campaigns across Africa
The impact of PACS e-Lab is both extensive and deeply transformative. The initiative has grown into one of the largest networks of amateur astronomers and citizen scientists in Africa, reaching thousands of learners—educators, students, and STEM enthusiasts—across more than 50 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Through its programs, learners develop practical STEM skills in data analysis, scientific reasoning, computational thinking, and research methodology using space science as an engaging pathway.
Participants have spoken with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, contributed to asteroid discoveries, and observed and submitted reports on hundreds of exoplanets to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). They have also produced astrophotography of deep-space objects, including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, co-authored peer-reviewed research papers, and presented their work at international conferences. Our achievements have been featured in local and international media, highlighting Africa’s emerging presence in global space science. Please see the publications page for reference
These outcomes demonstrate how access to tools, mentorship, and real-world research opportunities can strengthen STEM learning and empower young people to actively contribute to global scientific discovery. Our work aligns with global priorities, including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
PACS e-Lab is supported by a distributed leadership model and a continent-wide network of PACS e-Lab–trained volunteer coordinators, including researchers, educators, STEM instructors, university lecturers, space-agency staff, schoolteachers, amateur astronomers, student groups, and youth leaders. These coordinators, spanning about 50 African countries, engage thousands of learners in PACS e-Lab’s programs.
Through this system, PACS e-Lab has reached thousands of learners across Africa and into the Middle East. Because the organization’s leadership is rooted within African communities while remaining connected to global scientific institutions, PACS e-Lab is uniquely positioned to deliver programs that are scientifically rigorous, culturally accessible, and scalable across underserved regions.
We are still updating this list. Check back!
| Country | Groups | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
Algeria |
PhysX Club |
Amina Ramadan |
|
Egypt |
Cassiopeia |
Engr. Mohamed Omar |
|
Egypt |
Paradox |
Kareem Waleed Hosny, Mohamed Elattar and Nagat Yasser |
|
Egypt |
Space -Water-Environment Nexus e – Center |
Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei |
|
Egypt |
The Egyptian Physics Network |
Walid Badenjki |
|
Libya |
Amateur Astronomy Libya |
Saja Alhoush Sulayman |
|
Morocco |
Steps Into Space (SIS)
|
Salma Regaibi |
|
Morocco |
Oukaimeden Observatory |
Dr. Meryem Guennoun |
|
Tunisia |
Tunisian Astronomical Society |
Nejmeddine Etteyeb |
|
Tunisia |
Aljarid Astronomie |
Ben Abdallah ridha |
| Country | Groups | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
Benin Republic |
CosmoLAB Hub Association |
Thierry Martial TCHANGOLE |
|
Burkina Faso |
Young Burkinabe Astrophysicists |
Dr. BADO Fabrice |
|
Côte d’Ivoire |
Association Ivoirienne d’Astronomie |
Dr. Kassamba Abdel Aziz Diaby |
|
Gambia |
Physics Dept. University of Gambia |
BABOUCARR M. B BOBB & Kebab Jaiteh |
|
Ghana |
PRAGSAC |
Matthias Asare-Darko |
|
Ghana |
Ghana Planetarium |
Sarah Abotsi-Masters |
|
Guinea |
UNESCO Center for Peace USA in Guinea |
Mamadou Balde |
|
Liberia |
Center for Science Education |
Allen Thomas |
|
Niger |
Niger Space Surfer |
Dr. Souley Yahaya |
|
Nigeria |
The Astro Group of the Rivers State University |
Dr. Esaenwi Sudum |
|
Nigeria |
PACS e-Lab Nigeria |
Miracle Chibuzor Marcel |
|
Nigeria |
Citizen Science Research Group at COOU |
Ngozika Frances Anekwe |
|
Senegal |
Orion Astrolab and Department of Physics, University Cheikh Anta Diop |
Dr. Salma Sylla |
|
Senegal |
Club Astronomie Sénégal Amateurs (CASA) |
Sidy sy |
|
Sierra Leone |
Cosmic Gazers Research Institute Sierra Leone |
Mohamed Ali Koroma |
|
Sierra Leone |
Sierra Leone Geospatial and Space Agency |
Dr. Reginald Hughes & Mamaja Jalloh |
|
Togo |
NGO Science Géologique pour un Développement Durable (SG2D) |
Christian Kontoa Koussouwa Gbaba |
| Country | Groups | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
Chad |
Toumaï |
Mamadou Mahamat Djabbi |
|
Cameroon |
Astronomy Club of the University of Buea |
Tengwi Mogou Ornela |
|
CAR |
IT Dreams and Promises of the University of Bamgui |
MAMOUDOU KOUROUMA |
|
Congo |
Denis Sassou N’GUESSO University |
Jocelyn Franck-Patient and DINGA Jean Bienvenu |
|
Congo |
University Marien Ngouabi |
Jocelyn Franck-Patient and DINGA Jean Bienvenu |
|
DRC |
Astroclub Kongo Central |
MAFUKA LUSALA JOSEPH |
|
DRC |
Lubumbashi Astro Club |
Dieumerci kaseha |
|
Gabon |
IAU – NAEC Gabon |
Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME |
|
Angola |
Associação Angolana de Astronomia |
Moisés da Silva |
|
Angola |
Angolan Space Program Management Office (GGPEN) |
Dr. Gilberto Gomes |
| Country | Groups | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
Burundi |
Physics Dept.University of Burundi |
Dr. René Simbizi & Dr. Salomon Mugisha |
|
Ethiopia |
Ethiopia Space Science Society Citizen Science Team |
Kirubel Memberu & Lidia Dinsa |
|
Kenya |
Space Partnerships and Applications Company Kenya |
Dennis Kiyeng |
|
Kenya |
Kenya Space Agency – Education and Outreach Students’ Network |
Harold Safary |
|
Kenya |
Amateur Astronomical Society of Kenya |
Samuel Nyangi |
|
Mauritius |
IAU – NOC Mauritius |
Arvind Ramessur |
|
Madagascar |
Haikintana Astronomy Association |
Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo |
|
Rwanda |
Physics Department, University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology |
Dr. Ntahompagaze Joseph |
|
Sudan |
Sudanese Asteroid Hunters |
Ahmed Saeed |
|
Sudan |
Institute of Space Research and Aerospace (ISRA) |
Mohammed Yahya Alradi Eldaw |
|
Somalia |
Somali Space Explorers |
Ictisam abdulkadir mohamoud |
|
South Sudan |
Mayardit Academy for Space Sciences – University of Juba |
Dr. Christopher Tombe Louis Gore
|
|
Seychelles |
Citizen Science Seychelles |
Erias Kasule |
|
Tanzania |
Department of Physics, University of Dodoma |
Privatus Pius |
|
Uganda |
National Curriculum Development Centre of Uganda |
Betty Rose Nabifo |
| Country | Groups | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
Zambia |
Students from the Copperbelt University
|
Lhozindaba Zulu |
|
Zambia |
Zambia Space Explorers |
Henry Sanderson Viyuyi |
|
Zambia |
Kabulonga Girls’ Secondary School |
Tresford Chilufya Kalunga |
|
Mozambique |
Detetives do Cosmos |
Nunes Alfredo Assano & Edson Domingos Jequecene |
|
Malawi |
Celestial Explorers |
Bauleni BVUMBWE |
|
Zimbabwe |
Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency |
Tawanda Kelvin Simon |
|
Zimbabwe |
Zimbabwe Astronomical Society |
Thobekile Sandra Ngwanwe |
|
Botswana |
University of Botswana Astronomy Club |
Molly Nkamogelang Kgobathe |
|
Namibia |
Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science University of Namibia |
Sigrid Shilunga & Immanuel Luis |
|
South Africa |
BlueCraneSpace Astronomy & Astrophysics Department – University of Pretoria |
Keketso Qhomane |
|
South Africa |
Night Sky Tours |
Oosthuizen Leonardo |
|
South Africa
|
Galaxy Explorers |
Bongiwe Portia Mkhabela |
|
Lesotho |
Maloti Space Explorers |
Keketso Qhomane
|
We are still updating this list. Check back!