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Tanzania has completed all procurement procedures for equipment needed to develop a small satellite under a United Nations space science programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s advancement into space technology.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, announced the development in Parliament in Dodoma on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while presenting the ministry’s budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year.
She said the government has finalised all necessary processes to acquire equipment for the construction of a CubeSat, a small satellite being developed under the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) initiative known as KIBOCUBE.
According to her, this achievement reflects Tanzania’s readiness to actively participate in space science and modern satellite technology, which are increasingly important in supporting digital economies around the world.
Kairuki further informed Parliament that the satellite has already been registered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the global body responsible for regulating and coordinating satellite and space communication activities.
She said this registration officially places Tanzania within the international framework of countries developing and operating satellite systems, enabling the country to move forward with technical implementation stages without regulatory obstacles.
“The completion of these processes is an important step that confirms Tanzania’s readiness to enter the space technology space in an organized and internationally recognized manner,” she noted.
With procurement and registration completed, the country is now expected to proceed with the final phase of constructing the CubeSat.
The satellite will be used for multiple national development purposes, including improving communication systems, strengthening environmental monitoring, supporting disaster management, and enhancing data collection for planning and decision-making.
The Minister added that the KIBOCUBE project is part of the government’s broader vision to build a strong digital economy and strengthen local expertise in advanced fields such as space science, information and communication technology, and innovation.
She said the initiative will also help build skills among Tanzanian scientists, engineers, and young innovators by involving them in practical satellite development activities and international collaboration programmes.
Kairuki emphasized that the project is not only about launching a satellite but also about building long-term national capacity in science and technology.
According to her, once operational, the CubeSat will support key sectors such as agriculture, environmental protection, climate monitoring, infrastructure planning, and national security through improved access to real-time data from space.
She added that the project demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to investing in science, research, and innovation as key drivers of development and economic transformation.
The government believes the initiative will open new opportunities for research, education, and international cooperation in the space sector, while also positioning Tanzania among countries using modern space-based technology for development purposes.
The achievement marks an important step in Tanzania’s journey toward becoming an active participant in global space technology systems and advancing its goal of building a knowledge-based and digitally driven economy.
