About Zolana
Dr. Zolana Rui João is one of Africa’s foremost space leaders, renowned for transforming Angola from a non-spacefaring nation into a continental force in the global space economy. As the Founding General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program (GGPEN), he spearheaded the launch of ANGOSAT-2, Africa’s only government-owned high-throughput satellite, and established GEDAE – Angola’s Geodata Center, the first newspace project of its kind in Africa. He currently chairs the SADC Shared Satellite System, a groundbreaking initiative uniting 16 nations to design the continent’s first jointly owned regional satellite. Internationally, he serves as Vice President for ITSO Region D, Co-Founder and partner of several space project initiatives such as Arusha Consulting Space LLC in the U.S., and Research Affiliate at MIT, where he advances space-enabled solutions in geospatial AI, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Dr. João stands apart as both the longest-serving space agency head in Africa and the architect of Angola’s national space program, which he built from scratch. His leadership blends deep technical expertise in satellite communications, Earth observation, and geospatial intelligence with a unique capacity to bridge academia, government, and industry. From shaping national strategy and policy frameworks, mentoring the next generation of African engineers, to positioning Angola among the nations engaging with the Artemis Accords, he has established himself as a central figure in Africa’s ascent within the global space sector.
His work extends far beyond Angola. At the regional level, Dr. João leads SADC’s effort to build shared space infrastructure and has represented Africa at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the African Union, where he has contributed to shaping continental strategies for space governance and the creation of the African Space Agency. He also plays a leading role in global spectrum negotiations for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), ensuring Africa’s satellite and connectivity priorities are secured.
Dr. João is expanding his advisory and consulting presence in the United States and Europe, engaging with think tanks, academia, and industry boards in aerospace, telecommunications, and sustainability. Through his partnerships and consulting services, he drives innovation in geospatial AI and satellite-enabled decision-support systems, with applications in agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security. At MIT’s Media Lab, he contributes to projects such as the NASA-funded drought response system for Angola, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world impact.
His personal journey—from growing up in poverty to becoming an internationally recognized space leader—drives his mission to inspire Africa’s youth through STEM education and workforce development. Under his leadership, Angola trained a new generation of space engineers, several of whom have earned recognition among Africa’s Top 10 Under 30 Space Professionals. He frequently lectures at leading universities, including MIT and the International Space University, and has authored research on space strategy, satellite applications, and workforce development.
Dr. João’s achievements have earned him international distinction, including recognition as a featured speaker at the White House U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, the awarding of the ROSCOSMOS Medal “Space without Borders” that same year in honor of the successful ANGOSAT-2 launch, and selection by UNESCO’s International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence as one of the Top 20 Global AI Projects for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
He holds a Doctorate in Engineering from George Washington University in the United States, a Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, and a Master’s in Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering from ESIEE Paris in France.
Featured by CNN, BBC, SpaceNews, and Space in Africa, and as a guest on leading podcasts, including Kathy Sullivan Explores and SpaceWatch.Global, Dr. João is widely recognized among the Top African Space Leaders shaping the continent’s future in the global space economy. His overarching goal is to elevate Africa’s role in space diplomacy, earth observation, exploration, and innovation, to forge stronger Africa–U.S.–Europe partnerships, and to ensure that space technology directly serves humanity—by advancing connectivity, sustainability, and prosperity for the Global South.