Zingsa (Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency) was launched yesterday. It promises the discovery of new minerals and renewable energy sources, wildlife monitoring and investor attraction.

The president said:

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.

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Satellites in space will enhance agriculture, mineral exploration, wildlife conservation, disease surveillance and infrastructure management and mapping.

How much it costs

Apparently it won’t be too costly because technological developments have brought the cost of sending a satellite into space from hundreds of millions to tens of thousands of dollars.  Also speaking at the launch, the University of Zimbabwe’s Caleb Maguranyanga said

Gone are the days of space being accessible only by agencies backed by budgets of billion dollars

So now hoping for the best we wait and watch.