FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Zimbabwe Launches Zingsa National Space Agency

July 11, 2018 (EIRNS)—With the goal of advancing the country’s research and innovation, Zimbabwe yesterday launched its own space agency, Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, or Zingsa. The aim is to enhance the nation’s capabilities to use space technology, including for agriculture, minerals mapping, life sciences, wildlife management, and weather and climate services.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zingsa would build technical expertise and institutional capacity, according to Xinhua. Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Amon Murwira said that the venture into space would open the door for skilled Zimbabweans living abroad to return and help build a space industry.

Turcia Busakwe, from the South African Space Advisory Company, offered to help Zimbabwe’s new space agency. Given advancements in technology, she said, it is not too expensive for more countries to invest in developing space technologies.