Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 16th June, 2025.
Nairobi, Kenya.
The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its 50th anniversary at its Nairobi headquarters. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government of Zambia, Mr. Patrick Mucheleka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Chairperson of the RCMRD Governing Council, paid tribute to the Centre’s journey, achievements and impact across Africa.
In his address, Mr. Mucheleka conveyed greetings from the people of Zambia and extended apologies from Hon. Minister Silvia T. Masebo, who also chairs the RCMRD Conference of Ministers but was unable to attend due to urgent national duties.
He praised the unique governance structure of RCMRD, emphasizing the strategic oversight provided by the Conference of Ministers and the executive leadership of the Governing Council, which he led until November 2026.
“Fifty years of regional cooperation, scientific growth and service to over 520 million people in 20 Member States is no small feat,” he stated. “This celebration is not just about longevity but about purpose and progress.”
Established in 1975 under the auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, RCMRD has evolved into a continental centre of excellence in Earth Observation (EO) geospatial sciences and sustainable development. From its early focus on training and advisory services, the Centre now plays a critical role in land use planning, water resource management, agriculture, urban planning and disaster risk reduction.
Highlighting RCMRD’s broad reach, Mr. Mucheleka listed the Member States including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Uganda, whose combined population surpasses half a billion. He further noted that countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Madagascar also benefit from RCMRD’s technical footprint.
He commended RCMRD’s use of EO technologies in supporting early warning systems, flood and drought monitoring, biodiversity conservation and post disaster assessments. “Satellite imagery and geospatial data are no longer optional, they are essential for evidence based decision making,” he stressed.
Mr. Mucheleka acknowledged the unwavering support of RCMRD’s partners, including development agencies, academia, private sector players and civil society, for helping bridge the gap between science and service.
He also praised the infrastructural transformation of the Centre, which now houses cutting edge laboratories, satellite imagery hubs and advanced data systems, aligning strongly with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa Space Policy.
Concluding, Mr. Mucheleka reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting RCMRD’s mission and urged all stakeholders to invest in the next generation of geospatial leaders. “Let us strengthen RCMRD so the next fifty years are even more impactful than the last,” he said.

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Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
The Agency