GGPEN Signs MoU with the University of Botswana to Enhance Space Development

June 14, 2024
|In Press Release
|By Mustapha Iderawumi
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From (L-R) Professor David Norris, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Botswana and Dr Zolana João, Director General of GGPEN, signing the MoU

The National Space Programme Management Office (GGPEN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Botswana (UB) to enhance space development and bring social and economic benefits to citizens. The MoU was signed by Dr Zolana João, Director General of GGPEN, and Professor David Norris, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Botswana, during the Angolan ICT and Space Conference (ANGOTIC) in Luanda, Angola.

Details of the MoU

The agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation between the two institutions:

  1. Joint Training and Capacity-Building: Both parties will collaborate on training programs and initiatives to build capacity in critical areas. This will include IT, academic, scientific, and commercial fields, focusing on space.
  2. Space Infrastructure Projects: They will collaborate on developing and implementing space infrastructures.
  3. Exchange of Information and Experience: There will be a regular exchange of information and technological options, particularly concerning space applications and satellites.
  4. Satellite Services: GGPEN will use ANGOSAT-2 to provide satellite services to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
  5. Human Skills and Institutional Capacity Development: Efforts will be made to develop technical and institutional capacity in the space sector through various training initiatives.
  6. Student Exchange Programmes: The agreement entails developing and implementing exchange programs for students from Botswana and Angola. In addition, these programmes aim to enhance space development in both countries by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and building skills. This will advance their respective space sectors.
  7. Consultations on Multilateral Strategies: Both parties will regularly consult on multilateral strategies. This includes areas addressed by the MoU and other mutual interests.
  8. Working Committees: They will establish working committees to define specific academic, technical, and commercial collaboration parameters. Furthermore, the signatories will identify and appoint private entities responsible for the commercial aspects of their collaboration.
Angola National Space Programme Management Office (GGPEN) University of Botswana