Japan based microsatellite company Axelspace Corporation and Ethiopian technology firm Jethi Software Development PLC have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the use of satellite Earth observation data to address development and social challenges in Ethiopia.

The MoU was signed on January 13 in Ethiopia by Naol Debele, Chief Executive Officer of Jethi, and Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), members of Jethi’s board, and invited guests.

According to the companies, the cooperation will focus on practical applications of satellite data in areas such as agriculture, environmental and forest conservation, disaster risk management and climate resilience, urban planning, and infrastructure development. Axelspace will provide Earth observation data and technical know-how on how to use it. Jethi will work on building a local framework for data use in Ethiopia, coordinating with stakeholders so satellite information can be combined with local data and institutional needs.

The partners said the collaboration aims to identify priority challenges, develop solutions that can be scaled, and support the growth of a local ecosystem for satellite data utilization.

Axelspace noted that expanding Earth observation data use in emerging markets, including Africa, is one of its medium to long term priorities. The company also participates in a Japan - Africa space business initiative launched in 2024, where it leads a subcommittee focused on Earth observation data utilization.

The companies stated that the MoU is a private-sector agreement and does not constitute a government to government arrangement.

Source (including image): Axelspace