Rwanda has unveiled accelerated steps to establish itself as a leading African hub for satellite development, guided by a new national space policy and strategic international partnerships. The initiative aims to turn the country’s space ambitions into tangible projects that support development and strengthen its geopolitical standing.

The announcement came during a panel discussion organized by The New Times under the theme “Space for Impact: Rwanda’s Space Ecosystem and the Continental Space Economy,” where the Rwanda Space Agency outlined its five-year roadmap.

Gaspard Twagirayezu, CEO of the Rwanda Space Agency, said the new policy focuses on strengthening space infrastructure, empowering the private sector, training local talent, and expanding international collaborations, with the goal of building a world-class space ecosystem serving the entire continent.