ArkEdge Space Expands Cooperation with African Nations on Space Data and Skills Development

ArkEdge Space has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with African space actors on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) and the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC). The agreements aim to promote social development and human capacity building through the effective use of space data.

Strategic Partnerships Announced at TICAD9

In August, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Business Forum held in Yokohama, ArkEdge Space signed agreements with:

1. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT, Kenya), in collaboration with UNISEC-Global and the University of Tokyo’s ISSL laboratories (Nakasuka, Funase, Ikari Labs), to advance applications of space data and satellite IoT technologies
2. The National Council for Sustainable Development (CNDD) in Burkina Faso, to establish a comprehensive framework leveraging satellite data and platforms for capacity building, innovation, and sustainable development
   

Through the CROSS-U (Cross-border University Initiative) framework, where ArkEdge Space CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo leads the IoT Satellite Manufacturing Subcommittee within the Emerging Countries Working Group, the company further concluded MoUs and LoIs with:

1. The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) of Ghana
2. The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Tokyo, Japan
3. The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA)
4. The Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (Côte d’Ivoire)
   

These partnerships represent a collective commitment to advancing sustainable development and building technical capacity across the African continent through the strategic use of space data.

Advancing Cooperation at IAC 2025

At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, ArkEdge Space signed a landmark Letter of Intent with Angola’s Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Espacial Nacional (GGPEN). The partnership lays the groundwork for expanded deployment of satellite technology and space data applications, driving sustainable development initiatives throughout the African continent.

Strategic Vision for Africa Through TICAD9 and IAC

ArkEdge Space is dedicated to harnessing satellite constellations and geospatial data platforms to tackle critical challenges, including climate change mitigation, agricultural and forestry management, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response and resilience. Through prioritising partnerships with African nations, the company seeks to accelerate innovative solutions to pressing social issues whilst advancing technical capacity building through practical space technology applications.

Areas of Cooperation

The strategic partnerships focus on several key domains:

1. Applying space data to agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and water resource management
2. Promoting education and joint research in small satellite design, development, and utilisation
3. Implementing technology exchange and capacity-building programmes
4. Establishing cooperative frameworks, including funding and cost-sharing models
   

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, ArkEdge Space will facilitate the development of regional hubs for satellite data utilisation, advancing sustainable development and capability building throughout Africa. The company upholds its core mission: “Empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future.”

About ArkEdge Space

ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations, from planning and design to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission of “empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” the company is advancing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, and low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through our mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application.