Rwanda and Planet have launched a national satellite data program aimed at strengthening decision-making across government agencies, public universities, selected technology startups, and development partners working on national development priorities.
The initiative, managed by the Rwanda Space Agency, builds on a pilot project conducted in Zanzibar with support from the Tony Blair Institute and the World Bank, marking Planet’s first national-scale program of this kind in Africa.
Government agencies will use Planet’s daily satellite imagery and data for agriculture and livestock monitoring, food security tracking, forest health assessment, health initiatives, urban planning refinement, land-use zoning, and disaster preparedness and response. The satellite imagery will support policy implementation and strategic planning across sectors.
The program includes an education component in which Rwanda’s public universities will employ Planet’s imagery and data for student instruction, curriculum development, and research advancement in Earth observation. Selected startups focused on core national development priorities will access the daily data feeds to launch new services and programs supporting inclusive economic growth.
“Rwanda is a true leader in African innovation, continuously demonstrating how technology can drive national progress,” said Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer at Planet. “This program is a blueprint for how Planet’s daily satellite data can directly support multiple national goals, including improving disaster planning, shaping education programs, protecting natural resources and more.”
The partnership aims to build local capacity and knowledge for analyzing and applying satellite data to national priorities.
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