Planet And The Government Of Rwanda Unveil First-of-its-Kind National Satellite Data Programme In Africa

By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas and Celestine Okorie, Bureau Chief, Southern Africa

A leading provider of daily data and insights about change on Earth, Planet Labs PBC  and the Government of Rwanda have announced the launch of a new national programme to provide Planet’s data to governmental agencies, public universities, selected startups, and strategic development partners supporting national development initiatives throughout the country. This groundbreaking deal marks Planet’s first national programme of its kind in Africa.

The programme, managed by the Rwanda Space Agency, will use Planet’s growing archive of near-daily satellite data to monitor agriculture and food security, track forest health and resilience, refine urban planning and zoning, and inform disaster planning, response, and recovery.

Planet imagery and data will be made available to public universities to train undergraduate students and support advanced research in Earth Observation in Rwanda. In addition, selected startups focused on core national interests and working with government agencies will draw on Planet’s daily feeds to support inclusive economic development.

“Rwanda is a true leader in African innovation, continually demonstrating how technology can drive national progress,” said Chief Impact Officer at Planet Andrew Zolli. “This programme is a blueprint for how Planet’s daily satellite data can directly support multiple national goals, including improving disaster planning, shaping education programs, protecting natural resources and more.”

Planet data supports government partners across a variety of civil use cases, including disaster preparedness and response, urban planning and development, and agriculture and resource management.