The United States embassy in Harare has said the launch of Zimbabwe’s first satellite from a NASA facility on American soil proves that the sanctions imposed by the U.S. do not limit Zimbabwe’s economic development.
The satellite, ZimSat-1, was launched into orbit from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Monday.
It was launched under the Japanese-sponsored Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Project-5 (BIRDS-5) network.
In an e-mailed response to questions from ZimLive, the United States said facilitating the launch of the satellite is clear evidence that targeted sanctions imposed on individual politicians and security chiefs do not affect Zimbabwe’s economy. It said:
The United States government supports bilateral trade and investment opportunities that benefit U.S. and Zimbabwean companies alike and promote shared economic growth.
The satellite launch is a great example of international cooperation and innovation.
U.S. sanctions target 73 individuals and 37 entities who cannot use the U.S. financial system.
They are not designed to limit Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
The ZANU PF-led government blames western countries for the country’s economic challenges but the west, especially the United States, argues that Zimbabwe’s economic problems are caused by corruption and a breakdown in the rule of law.