Bird’s eye view

The Rwanda government is planning to use more satellite data to support decision-making across a range of sectors.

In partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency and satellite data services provider Planet Labs, the government programme will provide the data to government agencies, public universities, selected start-ups and development partners to facilitate projects linked to agriculture, food security, forest management, urban planning and disaster response.

Africa Business Communities reports that the initiative will also support disaster planning and provide information during and after emergencies.

In addition, using satellite data from Planet, public universities will support undergraduate training and research in Earth observation.

Selected start-ups working with government agencies on projects that align with national priorities will also be given access to Planet’s daily satellite feeds. The programme is intended to support businesses developing applications based on Earth observation data and that contribute to economic development.

‘This programme is a blueprint for how […] daily satellite data can directly support multiple national goals, including improving disaster planning, shaping education programs, protecting natural resources and more,’ says Andrew Zolli, chief impact officer at Planet.