Zimbabwe is seeking international investors to support a new satellite initiative estimated to cost nearly $200 million, as the country works to strengthen telecommunications connectivity.
According to Business Insider Africa, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the government is inviting partners to participate in the project. “We are looking for partners who can support us,” he said. “Once completed, our connectivity will improve significantly.”
Zimbabwe launched its first mini-satellite, ZimSat-1, in November 2022 and followed it with ZimSat-2 in 2024. Later this year, the country plans to launch a third Earth observation satellite, ZimSat-3, only months after placing ZimSat-2 into orbit.
The first satellite, ZimSat-1, is currently used to monitor drought conditions, map mining activities, and support other data-driven operations through the Mazowe Ground Station.
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Zimbabwe views its expanding space program as an important step toward national modernization and manufacturing growth.
Across Africa, countries are increasingly investing in satellites to support agriculture, climate monitoring, communications, and disaster response.
Government spending on space programs on the continent has averaged about $500 million annually in recent years.
Leading African space investors include Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, and Angola, each maintaining programs that combine Earth observation, communications, and scientific satellites, often developed with international partners.
Egypt currently operates 14 satellites, South Africa has 12, and Nigeria runs seven, highlighting the growing role of space infrastructure across the continent.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
