The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Cross U to expand cooperation in space technology, with a focus on developing commercial applications, skills training and data-driven industry solutions in Ethiopia.
The agreement was signed by ESSS Managing Director Kirubel Menberu and Cross U President Prof Shinichi Nakasuka, and presented by Cross U Secretary General Masafumi Yonazu. It sets out a framework for cooperation aimed at linking space science with business development and private-sector participation.
Kirubel said the partnership is expected to support knowledge exchange and help build a commercially oriented space ecosystem in Ethiopia through international collaboration.
Under the agreement, the two sides will work to connect Japanese space companies with Ethiopian markets through business forums, hackathons and matchmaking events, targeting sectors such as agriculture, finance and infrastructure.
The MoU also includes plans to develop human capital across ESSS’s 31 branch associations through training programmes, internships and joint research with Japanese firms, with an emphasis on building a workforce prepared for private-sector space industries.
It further provides for joint research and development on space data applications tailored to local industries, alongside outreach activities designed to demonstrate practical uses of space technology.
At the signing event, Japanese companies Axelspace, ArkEdge Space and Sora presented potential applications of microsatellite and earth observation technologies for use in Ethiopian sectors.
The partnership was endorsed by ESSS Patron Demeke Mekonnen, who described it as an important step in strengthening Ethiopia–Japan cooperation in science and technology.
The agreement is part of the Cross U Africa Initiative, launched in 2024, which brings together 355 members from industry, academia, startups and government institutions to promote space-sector development across Africa.
The initiative operates through two subcommittees focused on earth observation data and satellite development and manufacturing, with applications in agriculture, disaster management and environmental monitoring.
It has also received support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency under its Space Strategy Fund through a consortium led by Cross U and partners including Axelspace, Double Feather Partners and ENKOPA Lab, aimed at advancing practical satellite data use and commercially viable space ecosystems in Africa.