Representatives of the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) and the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in space technology at the end of February in Kigali. 

The agreement aims to develop the space sector of both countries by strengthening industry-academia relations and developing space technology capabilities, facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting R&D initiatives, reports POLSA.

The memorandum sets out the principles for cooperation between the parties in the areas of exploration and peaceful use of space technologies, as well as remote sensing research and applications. The cooperation is also expected to include activities under the Artemis Accords, to which both Poland and Rwanda are signatories.

The partnership between Rwanda and Poland highlights the need to address pressing challenges through cooperation and innovative approaches. “By combining our joint efforts, we want to increase the application of space technologies and thus contribute to improving the quality and living conditions of the societies of both countries”, stressed Professor Grzegorz Wrochna, President of POLSA.

Currently, the main priority of Rwanda’s space policy is to build the country’s space capabilities and use them optimally to drive sustainable development of the Rwandan economy (e.g. in agriculture, healthcare, communications, transport, education), resulting in long-term improvements in socio-economic conditions. 

“Rwanda is committed to harnessing the potential of space technology to support the sustainable development of the country’s priority sectors. Cooperation with the Polish space industry through POLSA opens up new opportunities for joint initiatives and knowledge exchange for the activation of our space sector”, added Francis Ngabo, director of RSA.

Adrian Andrzejewski