About ZINGSA — Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency

Overview

Who we are

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is a wholly government-owned entity established in terms of the Research Act [Chapter 10:22] and officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021. ZINGSA is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of space and applying geospatial and space technologies to support Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development and industrialization.

Vision, mission & values

What guides our work

Vision

To harness space technology for national development of Zimbabwe. We envision a future where space science and geospatial technologies drive sustainable economic growth, enhance agricultural productivity, improve disaster management, and position Zimbabwe as a leading space-faring nation in Africa.

Mission

To build Zimbabwe into a space power hub through cutting edge research capable of making innovations and scientific discoveries — developing satellite technologies, advancing geospatial applications, conducting space science research, and building human capacity.

Core Values

IntegrityHonesty & truthfulness
ReliabilityConsistent services
ExcellenceCommitted to be the best
TeamworkWorking with partners
GrowthAlways innovating

Our Client Service Charter sets out the standards the public can expect from ZINGSA, available in English, Shona, and Ndebele. View service charters.

Mandate

Key functions

Research and Development

Research in Geospatial Sciences, Earth Observation, Space Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Space Science, Satellite Communication Systems, and GNSS.

National Planning

Satellite data and geospatial intelligence for initiatives such as Agro-Ecological Zones, the Wetlands Master Plan, and orderly urban development.

Agriculture Support

Crop yield estimation, health monitoring, precision agriculture with drones, and agro-ecological mapping for farmers.

Environmental & Disaster Management

Monitoring veld fires, land degradation, climate variability, and supporting disaster response.

Infrastructure & Data Management

National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the ZINGSACORS Network for accurate real-time positioning.

Human Capital Development

Structured courses in Space Engineering and GIS — including drone training, CNC machining, 3D printing, and CubeSat development — building Zimbabwe’s space and geospatial workforce at home and abroad.

Explore courses →

Partnerships

Collaboration that builds capacity

ZINGSA works with international partners, research institutions, and industry leaders to advance space technology and build capacity in Zimbabwe. Our collaborative approach ensures knowledge transfer and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Trusted partners & collaborators

ZINGSA delegation at Egyptian Space Agency workshop

Patience Muchini delivering speech at Egyptian Space Agency

Director General leading UAV technology demonstration

ZINGSA receives data protection compliance certificate from POTRAZ

Human capital development

Training that travels — and returns home.

International courses such as the Egyptian Space Agency’s Introduction to Satellite Systems programme complement ZINGSA’s in-house courses in Space Engineering and GIS, ensuring knowledge gained abroad strengthens capability in Zimbabwe.

View ZINGSA courses →

Compliance & governance

Operating with authority and trust

ZINGSA now has an established board, a Data Controller Licence, and licences from CAAZ and other regulators — ensuring smooth, lawful operations across our missions, data handling, and field services.

Board established

ZINGSA’s board and senior managers provide strategic oversight, accountability, and governance for the agency’s national space and geospatial mandate.

ZINGSA receives Data Controller compliance certificate from POTRAZ

Data Controller Licence

ZINGSA holds Data Controller compliance certification, recognising responsible handling of geospatial and operational information under national data protection standards.

ZINGSA leadership with regulated UAV operations

CAAZ & regulatory licences

Licences from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) and other regulators underpin drone operations, survey work, and agency services nationwide.

Achievements

Milestones that define ZINGSA

ZimSat-1 Launch

Successfully launched Zimbabwe’s first satellite in November 2022 for drought monitoring, mining mapping, crop health, and weather forecasts.

ZimSat-2

Zimbabwe’s second satellite mission, expanding national capabilities in space technology and Earth observation.

Agro-Ecological Zones Mapping

Revised Zimbabwe’s Agro-Ecological Zones using satellite data to support agricultural planning nationwide.

Wetland Mapping — Whole of Zimbabwe

Developed the Zimbabwe Wetlands Master Plan 2021 through extensive satellite-based mapping and analysis.

CORS Network

Established Continuously Operating Reference Stations providing accurate real-time positioning across Zimbabwe.

Scientist Recognition & Awards

ZINGSA scientists and engineers recognised for outstanding contributions to space science and technology.

Recognition

Presidential Innovation Award

ZINGSA, in collaboration with ZETDC, received the Presidential Innovation Award for outstanding contributions to technological advancement in Zimbabwe.