Republic of Congo and Kazakhstan Partner to Build and Launch First Congolese Satellite

The Republic of Congo and Kazakhstan are expanding their bilateral cooperation into the space sector, with both countries working toward the construction and launch of Congo’s first satellite.

The development was discussed during a meeting between Congolese President Denis Sassou N’Guesso and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev on the sidelines of the International Space Summit in Paris on September 10. Their discussions covered progress on the satellite project, as well as digital transformation and skills development.

Madiyev said the two countries are collaborating on the construction and launch of Congo’s first Earth observation spacecraft. The satellite is expected to provide data that can support the monitoring of forests, agricultural and mining activities, and areas vulnerable to flooding.

“We are working together in this space field for the launch of a first spacecraft belonging to Congo,” Madiyev said.

The planned satellite is expected to strengthen Congo’s ability to monitor its territory and improve data-driven decision-making. Earth observation technology can support activities including forest management, agricultural planning, disaster monitoring and the management of mineral resources.

The space partnership follows a state visit by Sassou N’Guesso to Kazakhstan, during which the two countries signed several cooperation agreements. It is also supported by a bilateral investment agreement covering the creation of a high-resolution space and Earth remote-sensing system.

Beyond satellite technology, Congo and Kazakhstan are also looking to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Kazakhstan is expected to share its experience in executive training, with an AI skills development programme planned for Congolese officials and professionals.

The two countries also plan to establish mixed teams of Congolese and Kazakh experts to work across areas including space technology, digital transformation, emerging technologies and cryptocurrencies.

The partnership signals Congo’s growing interest in using space and digital technologies to strengthen its capacity to manage natural resources, monitor environmental risks and support national development.