Thando Mathe

Thando Mathe is a Research Assistant with UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme. He has a background in geospatial technology and Earth observation, which led him to develop a passion for space policy and strategy.

Before joining UNIDIR, Thando researched lunar resource governance policy and economics at Space Copy, USA. He also worked at the Land Loss Prevention Project in North Carolina, USA, and at the Zimbabwe Land Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geoinformatics and Surveying Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Science in Global Development from the University of Manchester.

Thando is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, USA, and the Prospero Space Fellowship, UK. He serves as Partnerships Lead at the Group on Earth Observation Youth Community of Practice and previously served as Chapter President of OpenStreetMap Zimbabwe. He received the Space for Africa Essay Award and the Nebula Award from the Space Generation Advisory Council.

Thando is fluent in Shona and English.