Zanzibar space centre to promote science, innovation
UNGUJA: PRESIDENT Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said the Zanzibar Space Observatory and Space Exhibition Hall will promote science, technology and innovation education, while providing young people with opportunities to learn and participate in the development of space technology.
Speaking during the launch of the Centre at Tunguu, South Unguja Region yesterday, he said the government will continue investing in education, research and technological infrastructure to strengthen a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Dr Mwinyi said the facility will help young people discover their talents, nurture creativity and develop greater interest in science, particularly space science.
He directed the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Innovation to work with the Zanzibar Astronomical, Space Science and Research Institute (ZASS) to strengthen space science education and provide students with practical learning opportunities.
He said the initiative was in line with the implementation of the CCM Election Manifesto for 2025– 2030 and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.
Recalling Zanzibar’s history in space science, Dr Mwinyi said that in the 1950s, the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) established Project Mercury to track spacecraft, with Zanzibar selected to host two communication stations: One at Tunguu, Unguja and another in Pemba.
He urged ZASS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, to establish special exhibitions to preserve documents, maps and historical information about the project, in recognition of Zanzibar’s contribution.
For his part, Zanzibar Minister for Information, Communication Technology and Innovation, Dr Mohamed Ali Suleiman, said the Centre will broaden access to practical science and technology education.
He called on experts to support efforts to develop skilled professionals in the sector.
ZASS Executive Director, Amina Ahmada, said the project comprises a modern space observatory, a digital space exhibition hall and a space science education centre, with the aim of positioning Zanzibar as a hub for space science education and research in East Africa
. She said ZASS had installed a modern Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) telescope capable of capturing images of various celestial objects for scientific analysis.
The institute has also constructed a Digital Planetarium with a seating capacity of 52 people at a time.
Ms Ahmada added that the Centre would promote space tourism, employment and selfemployment opportunities through astronomical photography, science exhibitions and tourism services.
She said ZASS would also collaborate with universities and international institutions in training, professional exchanges and joint research.
For his part, a representative of the Oman Astronomical and Space Science Society, Is-haq Yahya Halfan, said the Centre would strengthen cooperation between Zanzibar and Oman in science, technology and innovation.
He said the facility also has historical significance, noting that the ancestors of the two societies used stars to navigate their journeys across the Indian Ocean.
