ADDIS ABABA — In a major step forward for commercial space collaboration, the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) and the Japanese space business platform Cross U have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement cements a shared commitment between the two institutions to actively develop the space technology ecosystem and accelerate space business initiatives in the region.
Bridging Ethiopian and Japanese Space Sectors
The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Kirubel Menberu, Managing Director of ESSS, and Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka , President of Cross U, and presented by Mr. Masafumi Yonazu, Secretary General of the General Incorporated Association Cross U.
Image: (from left to right) Saki Miyazaki-Manager of International Affairs(Division 3) , Masafumi Yonazu-General Incorporated AssociationCross U Secretary General, Mr. Kirubel Menberu-Managing Director of ESSS , H.E. Mr. Demeke Mokonnen- Patron of ESSS
At the signing ceremony, Mr. Kirubel highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that the collaboration will be crucial in sharing international expertise and co-creating a sustainable, commercial space business ecosystem in Ethiopia.
Comprehensive Areas of Cooperation
Moving beyond high-level policy, the newly signed MoU outlines five core pillars focused on grassroots commercialization, talent development, and ecosystem building:
- Discovery of Market Needs & Business Use-Cases: ESSS will utilize its extensive network of institutional members in agriculture, finance, and infrastructure to identify concrete local challenges. Together with Cross U, they will facilitate matchmaking events, business forums, and hackathons connecting Japanese space companies with Ethiopian end-users to co-create commercially viable satellite data solutions.
- Space Startup Incubation: The partnership establishes pathways to transition high-potential engineering projects from ESSS branch associations into real, commercial startups. This involves actively engaging local and international venture capitalists (VCs), incubators, and accelerators to provide funding and mentorship for joint Japan-Ethiopia space ventures.
- Human Capital Development: Aiming to build a "job-ready" talent pipeline for the private sector, the initiative will deploy commercial space education and hands-on training frameworks across ESSS’s 31 branch associations. It will also facilitate internships and collaborative research between young Ethiopian professionals and Japanese space enterprises.
- Digital Infrastructure for Outreach: The organizations will explore utilizing ESSS’s digital platforms to distribute localized space business education and technology awareness to a broad network of future entrepreneurs.
- Expanded Avenues for Collaboration: The MoU paves the way for joint Research and Development (R&D) to test adaptable data solutions for local industries. It also includes plans for high-level strategic convenings, professional knowledge exchanges, and community engagement campaigns to demonstrate the tangible benefits of space technology to the Ethiopian public.
Highlighting Commercial Potential
Showcasing the tangible business opportunities of this alliance, a delegation of innovative Japanese space companies took the stage. Representatives from Axelspace, ArkEdge Space, and Sora delivered a brief presentation on potential areas of collaboration. Their presentations perfectly illustrated the MoU's goals, demonstrating how their cutting-edge technologies in microsatellites and earth observation can integrate directly with local Ethiopian industries to provide practical solutions.
ArkEdge Representative briefing about the startup
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The event received high-level endorsement from ESSS Patron, H.E. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen. Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, he noted that working closely with Cross U and the Ethiopian Space Science Society is a pivotal development. He emphasized that this MoU extends beyond business, serving as a vital bridge to strengthen the broader relationship between Ethiopia and Japan in the advanced space and technology sectors.
Image: Group photo of the Cross U, ArkEdge Space, Sora and, AxelSpace delegation
