SatRev and Locus Dynamics proudly announce the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Economic Summit Poland – Rwanda, which took place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Kigali.
The agreement represents a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation and technological advancement, demonstrating commitment between Poland and Rwanda in providing comprehensive satellite solutions for collecting Earth observation data in Africa.
Under the agreement, both parties will cooperate in the design, production and maintenance of microsatellites, as well as related high-resolution sensors for various applications. They will also establish related infrastructure in Rwanda, namely a ground-based satellite station, mission control center, and enhance the ability to analyze satellite data.
Currently, both companies are working on a project that will involve the delivery of three microsatellites and the construction of a ground-based satellite station and mission control center in Rwanda, together with related training in satellite operations and data analysis.
Project sponsors will attempt to secure project funding with the support of the European Union under the guarantee of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). EFSD+ is the financial arm of the Global Gateway, promoting sustainable investment in EU partner countries. The Global Gateway strategy aims to mobilize up to 300 billion euros in the form of combined public and private investment from 2021 to 2027. The Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) intends to implement the EFSD+ guarantee to support digitization processes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Grzegorz Zwoliński, CEO of SatRev, highlighted the significance of the project by saying, “This is a groundbreaking initiative that strengthens economic cooperation and is aligned with our Sovereign Space strategy, providing comprehensive satellite solutions for collecting Earth observation data in Africa.”
The cooperation initiative with Rwanda is in line with SatRev’s flagship product, Sovereign Space, designed to provide comprehensive satellite solutions for governments, including satellite deployment, ground station construction, conducting missions, and building capacity for further actions.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Wilson Kagabo, Managing Director of LD, noted, “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding signifies LD’s vision as a significant player in the African Space Economy. The partnership with SatRev will further enhance LD’s capabilities in satellite technologies, improve Rwanda’s access to high-resolution Earth observation data from satellites, and utilize LD’s infrastructure to host ground stations for satellites.”
The signing of the agreement coincides with the visit of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, to East Africa, aimed at promoting Polish business interests and deepening economic ties with Africa, a rapidly developing and promising market. The visit underscores Poland’s commitment to cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, green technologies, and space exploration.
