Axelspace Partners with Jethi Software Development to Advance Satellite Data Utilisation in Ethiopia
The Japanese microsatellite developer Axelspace Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopian technology company Jethi Software Development PLC to collaborate on addressing social and development challenges through the utilisation of satellite-based Earth observation (EO) data.
Naol Debele, Chief Executive Officer of Jethi, and Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace, signed the MoU during a ceremony held in Ethiopia on 13 January. Representatives of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), members of the Jethi Board of Directors, and invited guests attended the event in an official and protocol capacity.
Axelspace positions the expansion of EO data utilisation in emerging markets, including Africa, as a key strategic priority for the medium- to long-term. Through this collaboration, the company aims to support locally driven, data-informed solutions tailored to Ethiopia’s specific needs.
Building a Local Framework for Earth Observation
Under the MoU, Axelspace will provide EO data and technical know-how for utilisation across priority sectors, including agriculture, environmental and forest conservation, disaster risk management and climate resilience, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
Jethi will lead the establishment of a local framework for EO data utilisation in Ethiopia, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to integrate satellite data with local information and institutional requirements. The partnership aims to identify priority challenges, develop scalable solutions that combine EO data with local information, and foster the growth of a sustainable ecosystem for satellite data utilisation in Ethiopia.
Japan-Africa Space Collaboration
Axelspace is participating in the “Emerging Countries Working Group”, launched in 2024 by Cross U, a general incorporated association, to promote space business co-creation between Japan and African countries. Axelspace serves as the leader of the “Subcommittee on Earth Observation Data Utilisation” within the working group and is pursuing practical cooperation with African countries.
“With the economic development of emerging countries, including those in Africa, the demand for satellite data utilisation is expected to increase significantly,” said Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace. “We will work to build win-win relationships that create new value with local public and private sector partners, leveraging Japan’s advanced technological capabilities and expertise to contribute to the long-term development of a platform for satellite data utilisation.”
This MoU represents a private-sector collaboration between Axelspace and Jethi and does not constitute a government-to-government agreement.
Expanding African Presence
This partnership marks Axelspace’s continued expansion across Africa. In October 2025, the company signed MoUs with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD). These agreements represent Axelspace’s full-scale development and implementation of solutions tailored to local needs through collaboration with partners in emerging countries across the continent.