Zimbabwe Seeks Russian Collaboration for Spaceport Development and Astronaut Program

Zimbabwe has announced plans to establish its own spaceport and send its first astronaut into orbit within the next decade, with the support of Russia. Painos Gweme, director of the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), revealed the ambitious project in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.

Gweme confirmed that Zimbabwe has initiated discussions with Roscosmos, Russia’s national spaceflight corporation, regarding the proposed space initiatives. The collaboration includes integrating Zimbabwe into Moscow’s cosmonaut training system.

“We anticipate that, with the assistance of our Russian colleagues, we will launch our own rocket into space within the next 10 years,” Gweme stated. “We also aspire to have this launch take place from a domestically built cosmodrome. Efforts are already underway to identify a location with optimal natural conditions for the creation of such a launch facility.”

This initiative aligns with a broader trend among African nations partnering with Russia for satellite and space technology projects. Recently, the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—announced plans to deploy communication and Earth observation satellites with Roscosmos' support. These projects aim to enhance border monitoring and security efforts.

Russia has established itself as a key space collaboration partner for several African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Egypt, and South Africa. In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, Roscosmos chief Yury Borisov extended an invitation to Algeria and Egypt to participate in building an orbital station.

Zimbabwe's space ambitions are gaining momentum. In November, the country successfully launched its second Earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome. This satellite, developed in partnership with Russia’s Southwest State University, is operational in Mazowe near Harare. It is designed to assist in mineral exploration and agriculture by monitoring crop health and yield forecasts. The satellite complements ZimSat-1, Zimbabwe’s first satellite, launched in July 2023 in collaboration with Japan’s Kyushu Institute of Technology.

The space program reflects Zimbabwe's efforts to diversify its economy and address challenges such as food insecurity, exacerbated by persistent drought and international sanctions. During a meeting with President Putin in June, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed interest in joining BRICS and strengthening bilateral ties in areas including security, education, trade, and humanitarian aid.

By pursuing these ambitious space projects, Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a key player in Africa's burgeoning space sector while leveraging international partnerships for technological and economic growth.