Application of BDS in Africa: Current Status, Issues, and Challenges

Abstract

This paper examines the application of China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) in Africa, analyzing its current status, challenges, and future prospects. As a global navigation satellite system, BDS has achieved global coverage and offers high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing services. Africa, with its rapid urbanization and infrastructural expansion, presents a strategic market for BDS deployment. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China and African nations have deepened technological collaborations, with BDS playing a pivotal role in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and public safety. However, BDS adoption in Africa faces hurdles including infrastructural gaps, competition from Western systems like GPS, and technical and market barriers. This paper highlights successful application cases of BDS in Africa, such as in road transport, railway industry, precision agriculture, and international search and rescue. It also identifies key challenges, including the first-mover advantage of European and American navigation companies, political and economic instability in Africa, technical and infrastructure bottlenecks, and difficulties in integrating new technology fields with local industries. The paper proposes strategies to enhance BDS adoption in Africa, such as strengthening policy support, promoting technical training and talent development, and supporting infrastructure development. Future opportunities for BDS in Africa are discussed, particularly in smart agriculture, infrastructure construction, public safety, and emerging industries like smart cities and autonomous driving. The paper concludes that BDS has broad application prospects in Africa and can significantly contribute to Africa’s economic and social development through continuous technological innovation and international cooperation.