Zolana Joao

Areas of Expertise

Meet Zolana

Dr. Zolana Rui João is one of Africa’s leading space pioneers, recognized for transforming Angola into a rising force in the global space economy. As the Founding General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program (GGPEN), he led the launch of ANGOSAT-2, Africa’s only government-owned high-throughput satellite, ANGEO-1, Angola’s high-performance Earth observation satellite, and GEDAE, the continent’s first geodata center of its kind. He chairs the SADC Shared Satellite Programme, uniting 16 nations to design Africa’s first jointly owned regional satellite, while also serving as Vice President for ITSO Region D, Research Affiliate at MIT, and co-founder of several international space ventures, including the Arusha Consulting Space LLC. Across various institutions, governments, and organizations, Dr. João also works to advance innovations in satellite infrastructure, global connectivity, space policy, and the development of the African space economy, including positioning Africa for active participation in the emerging Lunar and Deep Space Economy.

The longest-serving space agency head in Africa, Dr. João has built Angola’s space program from the ground up, blending technical expertise in satellite communications, earth observation, and geospatial intelligence with leadership in policy, strategy, and international diplomacy. Dr. João’s work encompasses contributions to the African Space Agency, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and negotiations on satellite frequency spectrum and orbital position for the World Radiocommunication Conference, ensuring Africa’s priorities in space governance and diplomacy.

He holds a Doctorate in Engineering from George Washington University, has been featured by CNN and BBC, was a featured speaker at the White House United States-Africa Leaders Summit, and is honored with the ROSCOSMOS Medal “Space Without Borders.”