The Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology of Tanzania, Nape Nnauye, has announced at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference that the country has successfully secured an orbital slot of 16 degrees West to launch its inaugural satellite, marking a significant step forward in the country’s space ambitions.
This follows the minister’s assurance that emphasized the country’s commitment to send its first satellite into orbit within the year, earlier in July 2023. Professor Sospeter Muhongo, MP for Musoma Rural and a vocal proponent of space technologies in Tanzania, pointed out the need for Tanzania to harness the benefits of space technology for the economy, highlighting the progress of neighbouring countries like Rwanda and Kenya.
With its designated orbit now secure, Tanzania shows significant progress in its space ambition, further aligning with President Samia Suluhu’s declaration of Tanzania’s venture into space technology in May 2023 and the expression of interest to launch its first satellite dedicated to monitoring environmental developments, weather trends, surveillance and promoting high-performance connectivity services in the country.
