By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Axelspace
Corporation, a Japanese developer and operator of microsatellites, has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopian technology company Jethi Software
Development PLC to collaborate on addressing social and development challenges
through the use of satellite-based Earth observation data.
The
MoU which was signed in Ethiopia by Jethi Chief Executive Officer, Naol Debele
and Axelspace President and CEO Yuya Nakamura was attended by representatives
of Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute, members of Jethi’s Board
of Directors, and invited guests.
The
agreement outlines cooperation focused on expanding the use of Earth
observation data in Ethiopia, with applications spanning agriculture,
environmental and forest conservation, disaster risk management, climate
resilience, urban planning, and infrastructure development. Axelspace will
provide satellite data and technical expertise, while Jethi will lead the
establishment of a local framework for Earth observation data utilization,
coordinating with relevant stakeholders to integrate satellite information with
national and institutional needs.
Under
the partnership, the two companies will work to identify priority challenges,
develop scalable solutions that combine satellite data with local information,
and support the growth of a sustainable ecosystem for satellite data
utilization in Ethiopia. Axelspace has identified the expansion of Earth
observation data use in emerging markets, including Africa, as a key medium- to
long-term strategic priority.
Axelspace
is also involved in the Emerging Countries Working Group launched in 2024 by
Cross U to promote space business co-creation between Japan and African
countries. Within this initiative, Axelspace leads the Subcommittee on Earth
Observation Data Utilization and is pursuing practical cooperation with African
partners.
Commenting
on the agreement, Nakamura said demand for satellite data utilization is
expected to rise significantly as emerging economies continue to develop. He
noted that the company aims to build mutually beneficial partnerships with
local public and private sector actors by leveraging Japan’s technological
expertise to support long-term satellite data platforms.
The
MoU represents a private-sector collaboration between Axelspace and Jethi and
does not constitute a government-to-government agreement.
