Africa is exploring space, and Zimbabwe refuses to be left behind

Zimbabwe’s president has launched the country’s space agency,  the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency.

The agency was unveiled as part of the modernisation and industrialisation agenda by the country in line with vision 2030. The agency is mandated to deploy earth observation satellites, global navigation satellite systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and geospatial and space technologies.

According to President Mnangagwa, this will enhance agriculture, mineral exploration, wildlife conservation, disease surveillance and infrastructure management and mapping, reports State-owned newspaper, The Herald. 

“This programme is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s capabilities in global policy discourses on generation, access, use and regulation of the application of space technologies and innovations for sustainable development. To this end, I challenge all stakeholders in this field to take advantage of our engagement and re-engagement policy and establish mutually beneficial partnerships from across the globe,” he said.

Zimbabwe joins 11 other African countries to launch a space agency for research and space exploration.

The move has been lauded vital at the time where Zimbabwe is looking to improve its economy and invest in important sectors like infrastructure.  It also comes at a time when sending a satellite into space is cheaper compared to the past when it cost billions of dollars.