Ethiopia, Japan stakeholders convene to strengthen space startup and business ecosystem
Date: 2026-01-15
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), in collaboration with Cross U, has
convened a high-level strategic meeting aimed at advancing the development of a
sustainable ecosystem for space startups and businesses in Ethiopia. The
meeting was hosted by the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and
focused on fostering direct collaboration between Japanese commercial space
companies, government institutions and the private sector.
The
programme was officially opened by the Deputy Director of SSGI, Dr. Yeshurun
Alemayehu, alongside Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka of Cross U and Mr. Kirubel Menber
Alemu, Managing Director of ESSS. Their remarks underscored the importance of
international partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement in building a
viable space industry that supports innovation and economic growth.
The
session brought together a broad range of participants, including
representatives from the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, the Japan
International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization, Jethi Software Development and the GIS Society of Ethiopia.
Participants from other African space industry players, including CubeSpace
ADCS, also joined the discussions, contributing a regional perspective on space
industry development.
Presentations
were delivered by Yuya Nakamura of Axelspace, Takayoshi Fukuyo of ArkEdge Space
Inc., Kohei Muto of Double Feather Partners and Bernard Laurendeau of Enkopa
Lab Japan. The presentations addressed key themes such as earth observation
applications, commercial space opportunities and investment strategies to
support emerging space enterprises.
ESSS
reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Ethiopia’s space startup and business
ecosystem through continued awareness creation and the establishment of
platforms that connect local businesses with space application companies. The
organisers expressed appreciation to all participating stakeholders and
partners for their contributions toward advancing Ethiopia’s space sector.
