Below is the transcript of Richard’s 2020 TEDx Talk on “Exploring Space for a Better Life on Earth.” If you prefer to watch the video of the talk (in French), you can do so via this link.

Start…

The human mind has always been familiar with the concept of space. For a long time, people looked to the stars to navigate or locate themselves on the Earth’s surface. Even today, thousands of GPS-based applications embedded in our phones — maybe even the Google Maps you used to get here — work thanks to satellites in space.

My name is Richard, and I’m a data scientist and a Geographer. I recently discovered that the combination of geospatial technology and large-scale data analysis — commonly known as Big Data Analytics — is one of the most powerful ways to find sustainable solutions to the challenges of our time.

But before taking you on this space and data discovery journey, I’d like to introduce you to two people.

The first is André, who is also here with us today. After studying law for two years at the University of Lomé, André discovered his passion for new technologies. He took the initiative to teach himself to code and eventually became a web and mobile app developer. He later worked on major projects, including digitizing the microfinance system for the government of Benin. Today, André is the Chief Technology Operations Officer at African Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. To me, André represents the world of tech innovation.

The second person is my mother. After years as a merchant in Lomé, she discovered her passion for agriculture and returned to the village, where she now manages our family farm. She cultivates maize, cassava, chili peppers, and many other crops, which she sells at the local market. To me, my mother is the perfect embodiment of socio-economic development and women’s empowerment.

And looking closely at this, I realized that I am standing at the intersection of these two worlds — technology and development. My mission is now to bridge the gap between technological innovation and socio-economic transformation.

As a child, I was lucky enough to experience farming firsthand — something not everyone here has done, I believe. It was pure joy and freedom. We’d go to the fields with our parents and siblings, chop wood, and do small jobs to earn a little money. We were already practicing financial autonomy — long before we even knew the term. It was as if we were already aware of that famous quote from Bishop David Oyédépo:

“It is foolish to be ashamed of what is profitable.”

It was around that same time, as a young schoolboy, that I had a dream. In this dream, I was aboard a spacecraft that landed on the Moon. What I remember most from that dream was a powerful sense of accomplishment — and the shaking of the ground as we landed. I held on to that dream my entire life, and I try to get closer to it every day.

Later at university, I discovered my passion for technology. Despite coming from a humanities background, I pursued it with determination. This path eventually led me to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, which is preparing the Artemis Mission, which will send astronauts back to the Moon in 2024 — and later to Mars.

At NASA, I was surprised by how much they talk about agriculture. In fact, the slogan of the department I was in was:

“Connecting Space to Village.”

Here’s an example: in this satellite image, you can see the Okavango River, which separates Namibia and Angola. On the Namibian side, they grow maize and wheat. Satellite data is used to predict crop yields, determine which fields need more water or nutrients, and plan harvests accordingly.

Banks and insurers can also use this data to assess climatic risks — past or present — on agricultural zones where they want to finance projects.

Another sector that relies heavily on geospatial technologies is defense — though I’m not a soldier! Defense also means managing natural disasters like floods, wildfires, or strong winds.

Satellite imagery allows us to monitor large areas like borders, coastal waters, or remote regions. It also helps us detect unexpected events — whether physical or biological threats.

For instance, a recent wildfire in Australia was brought under control using satellite data that tracked wind speed and direction to help firefighters make informed decisions.

All of this sounds impressive — but here’s the problem:

If you’re in Africa, you usually don’t develop this kind of technology. You simply consume what others have made. And that’s not right.

That’s why we created African Geospatial Intelligence Agency — to change the narrative. Our mission is to combine geospatial technologies and big data to deliver solutions for agriculture, disaster risk management, defense, the blue economy, and more.

In 2019, we brought a NASA team to Togo to train government officials on using satellite data for agriculture, forest monitoring, and water-related challenges. The workshop included the National Civil Protection Agency, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, the Togolese Red Cross, and others.

For André:

“Data and technology must serve humanity.”

That’s why today, we’re working with UNICEF and the General Directorate for Child Protection to make child protection systems more effective. We’re developing tools that combine technology with data insights to strengthen intervention and accountability.

In December 2019, we visited All Nations University in Ghana, whose space lab launched Ghana’s first satellite, GhanaSat-1. We signed an MoU with them to help design, build, and launch Togo’s first satellite: TogoSat-1.

This satellite’s mission will be to monitor agriculture and the environment in Togo. It won’t be easy — but we’re proud that people still believe in our national potential.

Among them is the famous Togolese cartoonist Adrien Folly-Ntrson, who once wrote:

“While the U.S. sends missions to the Moon, maybe one day Togo will send a mission to Mars.”

He continued:

“This may sound like prophecy — but it has every chance of coming true, if we Togoleses put in the hard work required.”

So here’s my message to you:

Never be afraid to dream big.
Never be afraid to fail.
Because you know what?
You just might succeed.

…End