As space technologies become increasingly vital for sustainable development in Africa, more countries are strengthening their space programs to leverage the benefits of space technologies in their national goals.

TRL Space Rwanda, a branch of a Czech-based space company, in collaboration with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) announces plans to invest in strengthening local capabilities for nanosatellite technology development, focusing on constellations orbiting near the equator. The TRL's ambition was announced during Czech President Petr Pavel’s visit to Rwanda for the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi on April 6.

The investment and satellite mission have already begun, with the first phase dedicated to the agriculture sector in Rwanda. “Our intention is not just to deliver these technologies to Rwanda. We bring added value to the region. Our goal is to introduce new space technologies that increase the economic and living standards of the entire region,” TRL Space CEO, Petr Kapoun, revealed.

According to Space in Africa's annual report on African space activities, Space exploration is closely tied to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063. As African nations increase their engagement in space activities, they prioritize applications like Earth observation and initiatives for digital accessibility, crucial for sustainable progress.

The initiative aims to introduce new space technologies to increase the economic and living standards of the region. TRL Space Rwanda seeks to collaborate with the government, universities, and research organizations to explore space depths and leverage satellite data for various sectors such as agriculture, mining, and disaster management, aligning with Rwanda's ambition to create a vibrant space ecosystem for socio-economic development.

Hikmatu Bilali