MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is making bold steps into the space age, with plans now underway to develop the country’s first national satellite. The initiative, championed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, is being positioned as a key milestone in boosting the nation’s technological capacity and securing its place in the modern digital world.
Minister Jerry Silaa, presenting the ministry’s budget for the 2025/2026 financial year to Parliament, revealed that preparations are in progress to create a comprehensive national space policy. This would pave the way for Tanzania to design, launch, and manage its own satellite—a move expected to transform communications, economic planning, and national security.
“It’s the vision of the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to see Tanzania develop and operate its own satellite,” Silaa told lawmakers. “This will support development goals in areas such as agriculture, disaster management, security, and digital connectivity.”
To support this vision, Tanzania has recently ratified two key international treaties governing space activities. These include the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which outlines the principles for peaceful exploration and use of outer space, and the Registration Convention of 1975, which requires states to register space objects they launch.
“These treaties are the foundation of international space law,” said Silaa. “Now that we are signatories, we can begin building a national framework to participate in outer space activities responsibly and transparently.”
The upcoming national space policy will cover not only satellite ownership but also broader issues such as technology transfer, international cooperation, data access, and research and development. It will also guide how Tanzania can benefit from space-based services like GPS navigation, meteorological data, and satellite internet.
Across the continent, interest in space technology in Africa has been rising steadily. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have already launched satellites and invested in space programs. Tanzania’s entry into this field is seen as a crucial move to not fall behind in regional technological competitiveness.
Analysts point out that owning a satellite could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on foreign infrastructure for vital services. It could also lower the costs of communication in rural areas, help monitor natural resources, and provide real-time data during emergencies.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is expected to begin stakeholder consultations and draft the policy framework within the coming months. The satellite program will likely include cooperation with international partners and support from Tanzania’s own academic and scientific institutions.
“It’s not just about reaching space,” said one ministry official. “It’s about using modern technology to improve life on Earth for Tanzanians.”
With satellite ambitions now taking shape, Tanzania joins a growing list of developing nations betting on space as the next frontier for growth, inclusion, and innovation.
