According to industry reports, Tanzania plans to establish its first-ever Space Agency in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The country aims to promote satellite technology for communication, defence, security, research, disaster management, and weather forecasting.
The Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, revealed the development.
BMA understands that the government plans to implement space programs to promote satellite technology, enhance communication, and provide various other services.
“The other services include defence and security, research, disaster management and weather forecasting in the country,” he told the national assembly.
The country has been advancing its space programs, including securing an orbital position of 16W for broadcasting satellites and acquiring new frequencies to enhance the safety of air and maritime communications.
On May 19, 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced that Tanzania plans to build its satellite and that negotiations to achieve this scientific milestone have already begun.
“We are well prepared. We have started discussions, and rest assured that Tanzania will have its satellite shortly,” she said. Should the plan materialise, Tanzania will join the list of other East African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Should the plan materialise, Tanzania will join the list of other East African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, in advancing space technology.
As of the end of 2022, the continent had successfully launched at least 52 satellites, according to the consulting firm Space Hubs Africa.
The continent’s ambitious plan is to more than triple the number of satellites sent into the Earth’s orbit over the next few years.
According to the Africa Space Industry Annual Report, 125 new satellites will be developed in 23 African countries by 2025 as activities in the continent’s space market heat up significantly.
