Zimbabwe is deepening its investment in space technology with the development of ZimSat-3, its third satellite, as part of a broader effort to modernize industries and improve national infrastructure. 

The move highlights the growing role of satellite technology in addressing local challenges, from agriculture and environmental management to communication and security.

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is leading the initiative, emphasizing the practical benefits of satellite data. 

Painos Gweme, head of ZINGSA, stressed that “these launches are not just symbolic but are meant to provide solutions for critical issues such as outdated satellite imagery, which affects farming, disaster response, and environmental conservation.”

Agriculture remains a key sector that will benefit from the space program. Up-to-date satellite images will help farmers monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and predict droughts with greater accuracy. This is crucial for a country that has faced food security challenges due to climate change and inconsistent weather patterns.

Beyond farming, the government sees space technology as a tool to enhance communication infrastructure. Plans are underway to develop communication satellites aimed at improving internet access and phone connectivity, particularly in rural areas where network coverage is limited.

Zimbabwe’s space ambitions gained momentum with the launch of ZimSat-1 in 2022, which has been used for monitoring droughts, tracking mining activities, and supporting environmental conservation efforts. 

ZimSat-2, launched in late 2024 after delays, marked another step forward. Now, ZimSat-3 is in development, with officials working on upgrading ground stations to handle more advanced satellite signals.

Authorities also hope that satellite technology will help curb illegal mining, which has led to deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. With more precise satellite monitoring, Zimbabwe aims to enforce regulations more effectively and protect natural resources.

As the space program expands, the government sees it as a pathway to economic growth and technological advancement. 

By investing in satellites and related infrastructure, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a player in space technology, with long-term benefits for various sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, and environmental management.