Tuesday 6th January 2026
By inAfrika Newsroom
ZimSat-3 satellite plan is taking shape as Zimbabwe signals a new phase in its national space programme, tying satellite development to connectivity, mapping, and economic planning.
Zimbabwe’s space agency, ZINGSA, lists ZimSat-1 as a key national capability for drought monitoring, crop assessment, mining activity mapping, and weather-related applications. That foundation, officials argue, supports broader public planning.
Recent reporting in Zimbabwe and regional tech outlets says government now prioritises ZimSat-3 under its current development strategy, and it aims to expand space-based services while improving internet access and data coverage. Therefore, the debate is shifting from “can we launch” to “how do we use the data at scale.”
The country launched ZimSat-2 in November 2024, according to a government announcement reported by Xinhua. That launch, together with the 2022 ZimSat-1 milestone, gives Zimbabwe operational experience in satellite programmes and ground-station workflows.
However, satellite ambitions still meet practical constraints. They require reliable ground infrastructure, skilled operators, and stable budgets for maintenance and data services. Meanwhile, broadband gains also depend on fibre expansion, tower upgrades, and infrastructure sharing, not satellites alone. As a result, policymakers are likely to package ZimSat-3 with wider telecom investment.
For agriculture, space data can support early warning on drought and crop stress. In addition, it can help land-use planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. Yet results will depend on whether ministries and private users can access data quickly, and whether they can integrate it into daily decisions.
Government agencies will clarify ZimSat-3 timelines, payload priorities, and partnerships. Meanwhile, ZINGSA will keep expanding use cases for existing satellites and improve data delivery to ministries and users. If those systems mature, then Zimbabwe can convert space assets into real service improvements.
Better data can improve public decisions. It can also help businesses reduce risk in farming, mining, logistics, and insurance.
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