SatRev and Locus Dynamics are proud to announce the signing of a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Poland – Rwanda Economic Summit, held in Kigali on February 7, 2024.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation and technological advancement, between Poland and Rwanda. It showcases the Parties commitment to providing comprehensive satellite solutions for Earth Observation Data in Africa.

As part of this MoU, the Parties will partner up in the design, manufacturing and operation of Microsatellites and corresponding high-resolution sensors for various applications, and establish related support infrastructure in Rwanda, namely: satellite ground station, a mission control center and enhance satellite data analytics capabilities.

Currently, the two companies are exploring a project which shall include the delivery of three microsatellites and encompasses the construction, in Rwanda, of the satellite ground station and a mission control center along with related training in satellite operation and data analytics.

The Parties will seek to secure financing of the aforementioned project from the European Union under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Guarantee, through the Polish Development Bank (BGK). The EFSD+ is the financing arm of Global Gateway, promoting sustainable investments in the EU partner countries. The Global Gateway strategy is poised to mobilize up to €300 billion in combined public and private investments spanning the period 2021 to 2027. BGK intends to implement EFSD+ Guarantee to support digitalization processes in Sub-Saharan African countries.  

Grzegorz Zwoliński, President of SatRev, emphasized the significance of the project, stating: "This is a pivotal initiative that strengthens economic cooperation and aligns with our Sovereign Space strategy, providing comprehensive satellite solutions for Earth Observation Data in Africa."  

For SatRev, the partnership with Rwanda fits well within the Company’s flagship product dubbed Sovereign Space; designed to provide end-to-end satellite solutions for governments, including satellite deployment, ground station construction, mission operations, and capacity building.

Speaking at the MoU signing Ceremony, Wilson Kagabo, LD’s Managing Director remarked: “The signing of this MoU signifies LD’s vision of becoming a significant player in the African Space Economy. Partnership with SatRev will further propel LD’s capabilities in satellite technologies, improve Rwanda’s accessibility to high resolution satellite earth observation data and leverage LD’s infrastructure for satellite ground hosting.”

The agreement signing coincides with President Andrzej Duda's visit to Rwanda, aimed at promoting Polish business interests and fostering closer economic ties with Africa, a rapidly growing and promising market. The visit underscores Poland's commitment to cooperation with Rwanda in various sectors, including agriculture, green technology, and space exploration.

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