The Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) celebrated this year’s National Space and International Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day by unveiling groundbreaking projects aimed at regional development. The programme’s excerpt released by the agency unfolded across regional governments, including Harari, Sidama, Tigray, Gambela, and Somali.

In Harari, Mr Abdisa Yilma, the SSGI’s director, presented prospective initiatives tailored for the Harar national region. He emphasised the significance of this stage, marking the determination of future collaborations with the region. Mr Jemal Ibrahim, the manager of the Harari region’s innovation and technology agency, expressed gratitude for the institute’s involvement, foreseeing its positive impact on the region’s technological landscape. Furthermore, he acknowledged their efforts in sharing the institute’s advancements with the region, emphasising this initiative’s transformative impact on the local technological landscape.

Mr Yilma also highlighted the pivotal role that the institute plays in realising the vision of a digital Ethiopia. According to him, one of the significant tasks undertaken by the institute involves the timely preparation of a comprehensive tourism roadmap and continuous genre updates. Moreover, Mr Yilma emphasised the institute’s strategy of integrating this roadmap with urban development plans. The institute intends to use modern satellite technology to combat illegal land encroachment and unauthorised constructions. This integration will allow for effective monitoring and control, leveraging satellite data to address issues of illegalities swiftly and efficiently.

SSGI pledged comprehensive support to the region in line with their commitment. This includes providing crucial satellite information, facilitating capacity-building training programs, and transferring cutting-edge technologies to foster job creation opportunities. Moreover, a significant milestone was reached by completing the 51-part radio programme, “From Earth to Space,” designed explicitly within the country’s space programme. This programme has been meticulously translated into the languages spoken within the region, ready for dissemination through community radio broadcasts. This initiative aims to educate and engage the local community on space science and technology, fostering greater awareness and interest in space technology.

Meanwhile, Engineer Bethlehem Nguse, the institute’s deputy director, showcased upcoming projects and accomplishments earmarked for the region in Sidama. A study by the institute revealed the geographical distribution of regional health institutions, underlining the practical applications of geospatial technology in the healthcare sector.

During the event in the Somali region, the presence of Mr Mulualem Yeshitila, CEO of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute’s Space Mission Sport, alongside Mr Abdurazaq Seid, from the deputy head of the Somali regional government president’s office was notable. Their participation underscored the commitment to regional collaborations and knowledge exchange.

Dr Deriba Itcha, President of Gambella University, expressed the university’s keen interest in collaborating with the institute in the Gambella region. Areas of mutual interest included research and development, capacity building, agriculture, food security, flood monitoring, tourism, and various mapping projects. An agreement outlining collaborative efforts in the space and geospatial sector was signed, solidifying the commitment to joint initiatives.

Similarly, in the Tigray region, the institute pledged to provide satellite information to support the region’s development initiatives. The institute is also committed to offering capacity-building programmes and transferring technologies to create job opportunities.

Kindly check the SSGI’s page to learn more about the celebrations and the initiatives launched by the institute on a regional level.