Botswana has finally launched its first satellite BOTSAT-1 at Elon Musk’s SpaceX facilities in Los Angeles, California. Marking its name in history the launch was observed on March 05, 2025 making a significant step towards space ambitions of the African country.
President Duma Gideon Boko was expected to travel to the United States on Saturday to attend the launch that represents a major milestone in efforts made by Botswana to harness space technology for national development.
Reportedly, the BOTSAT-1 is developed and programmed by Batswana engineers from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. It is designed specially to generate the satellite data which will support in critical sectors such as mining agriculture and urban planning.
The officials said that the project reflects the growing technical expertise and potential of the country to build a robust space programme. Beyond attending the launch, the visit by President Boko ran until March 09, 2025 that included site tours of space rocket production facilities and Starlink Mini production plants.
As per the Ministry of International Relations of Botswana, the President’s scheduled visit also considered high-level bilateral meetings and trade discussions that aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, along with expanding the markets for Botswana’s product and promoting the country as a tourist destination.
The Minister of Communications – David Tshere explained the reason why Botswana’s satellite was launched in the USA. This is because there is no place available here where it could be launched.
“Even South Africa does not have a launchpad for Satellites,” described Minister David Tshere.
Tshere highlighted that there is not even a single country in Africa that has launchpad satellite capabilities. He further added that there are plans to launch BOTSA2 and three for communications and other technologies.
At present, President Duma Boko is in the USA. He was accompanied there by the two ministers, BUIST officials and other government officials. The launch took place at South African born and now the American billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX in Los Angeles, California.