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RCMRD Celebrates 50 Years of Advancing Excellence for Sustainable Development
On June 16, 2025, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) marked a historic milestone: 50 years of advancing geospatial excellence for sustainable development. Graced by Hon. Deus Gumba, Malawi's Minister of Lands, the golden jubilee celebrations spotlighted RCMRD’s evolution from humble beginnings into a regional geospatial centre of excellence
During the celebrations, Hon. Deus Gumba, Malawi’s Minister of Lands, who delivered a powerful keynote praised RCMRD’s growth from its humble beginnings in 1975 with just five member states to its current stature as a regional powerhouse serving 20 nations in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“RCMRD has played a critical role in shaping Africa’s development story—through land administration, agricultural monitoring, climate change adaptation, and disaster preparedness,” said Hon. Gumba. “Malawi remains firmly committed to RCMRD’s vision and continued regional cooperation.”
Founded in 1975 with just five member States and a three-person team in a single-room office, RCMRD has grown to a regional intergovernmental organization with 20 member states. The Centre’s journey began following a 1963 first meeting of the United Nation Regional Cartographic Conference for Africa resolution recognizing the critical role of mapping and surveying natural resources inventory and development in Africa. Established under the auspices of UNECA and the Organization of African Unity, the Centre was initially known as the Regional Centre for Services in Surveying and Mapping (RCSSM).
In its early years, RCMRD focused on foundational support in surveying, mapping, and remote sensing. Through strong partnerships with organizations like USAID, UNDP, ESA, and France, the Centre launched remote sensing and cartography departments, GIS applications, and photogrammetry labs, responding to the growing need for geospatial data in sectors like land management, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation.
Infrastructure development was equally transformative. In 1985, the Centre moved into its permanent premises in Kasarani, Nairobi, following a heartwarming staff initiative that saw 5% of their salaries contribute to laying the foundation. Member States rallied behind the effort, completing construction through arrears payments.
Infrastructure development was equally transformative. In 1985, the Centre moved into its permanent premises in Kasarani, Nairobi, following a heartwarming staff initiative that saw 5% of their salaries contribute to laying the foundation. Member States rallied behind the effort, completing construction through arrears payments.
Key milestones followed: the launch of Africa’s first remote sensing training in 1977, GIS training in 1989, participation in national pipeline planning in Tanzania, the launch of Direct Information Access Network for Africa-(DIANA) early warning systems, and the introduction of digital photogrammetry in 2006. In 2001, the Centre officially became RCMRD, reflecting its expanded mandate to support sustainable development across Africa
Over five decades, the Centre's impact has rippled across the continent: from hosting regional forums on National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to launching MODIS and Sentinel-2 data stations, advancing environmental monitoring and crop forecasting. The institution has played a pivotal role in the African Reference Frame (AFREF) initiative, enhancing geodetic accuracy to reduce mapping inconsistencies and land conflicts.
RCMRD also prioritized capacity building. Its Regional Centre Training Institute (RCTI) now offers diploma and certificate programs in surveying, Photogrammetry and remote sensing, GIS, and IT. In 2022, RCTI held its first graduation ceremony, conferring over 400 students.
The Centre has evolved into a hub for innovation and collaboration. As the AfriGEO Secretariat, and Technical Support Centre for the UN Biodiversity Convention in Eastern and Southern Africa, RCMRD supports global and regional geospatial frameworks. In 2023, it became part of the UN-endorsed Africa Network of Centres of Excellence for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Centre has evolved into a hub for innovation and collaboration. As the AfriGEO Secretariat, and Technical Support Centre for the UN Biodiversity Convention in Eastern and Southern Africa, RCMRD supports global and regional geospatial frameworks. In 2023, it became part of the UN-endorsed Africa Network of Centres of Excellence for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Speaking at the RCMRD at 50 celebration event, Hon. Patrick Mucheleka, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Lands and Chair of RCMRD’s Governing Council, reaffirmed member states’ commitment:
“As Chair of the Governing Council, we will work collectively to build on the legacy of our predecessors and deliver even greater value to Africa.”
Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Hon. Nixon Korir, celebrated RCMRD’s contribution to national digital transformation, particularly its support in rolling out the National Land Information Management System (ArdhiSasa):
“From the days of manual surveying to today’s AI-powered satellite imagery, this institution has remained at the forefront. Innovation is our compass—and the future is ours to shape.”
Echoing these sentiments, RCMRD Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza emphasized:
“We aspire to play a meaningful role in the rapidly growing geospatial industry in our region and across the continent.”
A highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of a commemorative Map Book developed by the Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascapes in Eastern and Southern Africa (RCoE-ESA). This strategic resource showcases:
• Biodiversity hotspots
• Protected and conserved areas
• Transboundary ecosystems
• Thematic spatial insights for planning and conservation
The Map Book stands as a testament to the power of geospatial intelligence in driving regional integration, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making.
