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Nigeria Sends Egusi Melon Seeds to Space in Historic Mission

Nigeria has made history by sending Egusi melon seeds, a culturally and nutritionally significant West African crop, into space for the first time. This landmark event took place on August 1, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of a multinational agricultural research mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The project, spearheaded by Nigerian space scientist Dr. Temidayo Oniosun in collaboration with Jaguar Space and The Karman Project, is part of the global "Earth Seeds for Space Initiative." Its objectives include studying how indigenous African crops like Egusi respond to microgravity and space radiation. This research is crucial for developing sustainable food systems that can support long-duration human space exploration missions, such as those to the Moon or Mars, and for improving climate-resilient agriculture on Earth.

Egusi seeds were chosen not only for their high protein content and nutritional value but also as a symbolic representation of West African culture and food security. Alongside Egusi, other culturally significant seeds from Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan are part of this collaborative experiment.

Once the seeds return to Earth, they will be studied further, with a focus on monitoring their germination and growth performance post-spaceflight. The results of this research could shape future strategies for cultivating heritage crops during long-term space missions, potentially providing nutritious food sources for astronauts and preserving agricultural biodiversity beyond Earth.

This Nigerian space mission marks an important step in merging traditional African agricultural knowledge with advanced space science, positioning Nigeria and West Africa prominently in international space-based agricultural research.

Meanwhile, in the realm of business, Lipa Later, a Kenyan digital lending platform, faced financial challenges. Signs of distress at Lipa Later became evident by late 2023. By March 2024, the company was out of cash, staff were unpaid, and creditors loomed. In a last-ditch effort to keep Lipa Later afloat, a $5 million loan bid was made, but it was made outside its legal authority.

In other business news, The Bridge And Value and AlexBoyo World (ABW) are hosting a trade mission to Paris for Nigerian businesses looking to scale into France and the wider European market from September 22-26, 2025.

In the technology sector, South Africa and China reached a formal deal to advance AI cooperation between the two nations. This agreement aims to unlock collaborative research, investment, and application of AI in key sectors such as education, agriculture, and public service delivery. In June 2025, South Africa's Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation signed an agreement with Huawei to boost cooperation on AI research and innovation. The South African delegation also engaged with the China Satellite Network Company (CSNC) to explore other satellite broadband options to improve connectivity for rural communities in South Africa.

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite services are not available in South Africa due to concerns around the Black Power empowerment regulation. The company acquired struggling e-commerce platform Sky.Garden for $1.9 million despite defaulting on obligations. Under Kenyan insolvency law, directors lose management powers once administration begins, but it remains unclear whether the administrator was aware of or authorized the financing attempt.

These events underscore the dynamic interplay between science, business, and technology in Africa, with each sector presenting unique opportunities and challenges.

The space mission to send Egusi melon seeds to the ISS is an example of technology innovation in the agriculture industry, showcasing the fusion of traditional African knowledge with advanced space science.
In a setback for the fintech industry, Lipa Later, a Kenyan digital lending platform, faced financial difficulties and was unable to secure a legal loan bid.
As part of economic entrepreneurship, a trade mission is being organized by The Bridge And Value and AlexBoyo World (ABW) for Nigerian businesses seeking expansion into France and the European market.
South Africa's collaboration with China in the technology sector aims to advance AI research and applications, particularly in education, agriculture, and public service delivery.
Amidst the advancements in technology, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite services are yet to be available in South Africa due to issues with the Black Power empowerment regulation.
In the realm of cybersecurity, concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with Starlink's acquisition of an e-commerce platform, due to unfulfilled obligations.
The technology deal between South Africa and China could also help boost innovation in education-and-self-development, leading to improved skill sets in the workforce.
As the fintech industry evolves, the general news phase will undoubtedly cover various aspects, including investments, startups, and new payment systems.
The Nigerian space mission is significant not just for its contribution to space exploration, but for its potential impact on the cryto sphere, as it could lead to innovations in climate-resilient agriculture.
In the midst of these advancements, it is crucial for the growth of businesses like Lipa Later, to prioritize cybersecurity and adhere to legal frameworks to maintain investor confidence and avoid potential pitfalls in the industry.