Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Geospatial Agency represents a future where Zimbabwe leverages science and technology to solve its challenges, create new industries and compete on the global stage, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava has said.
Speaking during an appraisal tour of ZINGSA in Harare yesterday, the minister said with the right support, it will become a hub of excellence in Africa and beyond.
“What is evident from this visit is that ZINGSA has laid a strong foundation. The focus now must be on consolidation, scaling up and ensuring sustainability. As Government, we remain fully committed to supporting this journey,” he said.
Minister Shava said ZINGSA is not only a strategic national asset, but also a symbol of Zimbabwe’s ambition to position itself as a serious player in the global space and geospatial ecosystem.
The work being done at the institution, he added, speaks directly to Zimbabwe’s aspirations under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategies.
“ZINGSA is playing a critical role in advancing science, technology, innovation and human capital development, which are key pillars in transforming our economy into an upper-middle-income society. I am particularly encouraged by the Agency’s achievements in a relatively short space of time. The successful launch of ZIMSAT-1 and ZIMSAT-2, the establishment of a functional ground control station, and the development of indigenous expertise are milestones that deserve recognition.
“These are not just technological achievements; they represent Zimbabwe’s growing confidence, capability, and sovereignty in the space domain,” said Minister Shava. He commended the agency’s practical application of its work to addressing national challenges.
ZINGSA was at the forefront of revising the country’s agro-ecological zones to improve agricultural productivity and also developed early warning systems for natural disasters.
Minister Shava said this was evidence that ZINGSA is demonstrating that space technology is not abstract but directly improving people’s lives. “Your efforts in spatial planning, wetland conservation, precision agriculture, and UAV-based surveys are already making a tangible impact across sectors, including agriculture, mining, urban development, and environmental management. This is exactly the kind of innovation-driven development we seek as a nation.
“I also take note of the exciting projects currently underway, including the near-completion of the National Satellite Communication Centre in Mazowe, the of locally manufactured drones, and the establishment of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.”
“These initiatives will significantly strengthen our technological independence and data-driven decision-making capabilities,” he said.
ZINGSA acting director-general Pianos Gweme said the agency was looking to venture into drone manufacturing as most of the components used are available in the country.
He said this would ensure substantial cost-cutting.
