Managed by the Rwanda Space Agency, the programme will use Planet’s near-daily satellite data to support agriculture, forest monitoring, urban planning and disaster management.

Planet Labs PBC and the Government of Rwanda have launched a new national programme to provide satellite data to government institutions, public universities, selected startups and strategic development partners supporting national priorities.

The initiative, managed by the Rwanda Space Agency, marks Planet’s first national programme of this kind in Africa. It will provide access to Planet’s expanding archive of near-daily satellite imagery and data to support a range of applications across the country.

Government agencies will use the data to monitor agricultural activity and food security, assess forest health, improve urban planning and zoning, and strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

The programme will also extend access to Planet’s satellite imagery to public universities, enabling students to develop Earth Observation skills while supporting advanced research in the field. Selected startups working on national priorities in partnership with government agencies will also be able to use Planet’s daily satellite data to develop solutions aimed at supporting inclusive economic growth.

Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer at Planet, said: “Rwanda is a true leader in African innovation, continually demonstrating how technology can drive national progress. 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 said its satellite data is already used by government partners for a range of civilian applications, including disaster preparedness and response, urban development, agriculture and natural resource management.

The Rwanda programme is expected to expand the use of Earth Observation data across government, academia and the private sector, supporting evidence-based decision-making and innovation in areas central to the country’s development.