President Hakainde Hichilema is set to commission a new Ground Receiving Station in Chibombo District, constructed at a cost of $14 million. The facility, now fully operational, is already receiving and analyzing data from space.
The Ground Receiving Station is part of the National Remote Sensing Centre, under the Ministry of Technology and Science. Minister Felix Mutati announced that successful tests have been conducted, and the facility is ready to support various sectors.
During a recent tour of the site, Mutati emphasized that the station will play a critical role in aiding policymakers in health, agriculture, and mining. “The data we are receiving is remarkable, enabling our experts at UNZA and CBU to make informed decisions,” he stated.

The station will collaborate with international partners from Sweden and the U.S., as well as local universities. Mutati noted that Zambia will focus on accessing satellite data from other countries instead of launching its own satellites.
“Accessing this data is vital for addressing our country’s challenges, including mineral discovery and weather prediction,” he added.
Visiting astronaut Christer Fuglesang, the first Swedish national in space, highlighted the importance of space data in enhancing national knowledge. He encouraged Zambians to pursue studies in space science for its significant benefits.

Additionally, Paula Engwall, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Zambia, reaffirmed her country’s support for Zambia’s space program, calling the completion of the Ground Receiving Station a major milestone in the nation’s development agenda.