Ethiopia Plans to Build Satellite AIT Facility in Cooperation with Russia
Ethiopia plans to establish a domestic satellite assembly, integration and testing (AIT) centre with Russian support, in a strategic push to build local space capabilities and emerge as a regional hub for satellite development. The Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute said the proposed facility would enable Ethiopian engineers to design, assemble, and test satellites domestically, reducing the need to send equipment abroad for critical technical work.
The discussions took place during a ceremony in Addis Ababa marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s first human spaceflight, jointly organised by the Russian Embassy in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI).
Abdisa Yilma, Director General of the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, said the project forms part of Ethiopia’s broader ambition to expand its role in space science and aerospace technology over the next decade. He added that Ethiopia’s goal is not only to use satellites, but also to build and validate them domestically. Furthermore, Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Ethiopia in space science and related technologies, underscoring prospects for deeper institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Strategic Cooperation with Russia’s State Space Corporation
The planned centre is expected to be developed in cooperation with the Russian government, with ongoing discussions between the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute and Roscosmos focused on technical and financial arrangements. Officials said the facility would combine Russian technical expertise with Ethiopia’s growing scientific capacity.
Officials said the proposed centre could generate both scientific and economic benefits for Ethiopia. With plans to launch 10 new satellites by 2035, local assembly and testing would help reduce foreign-currency expenditure while strengthening domestic capabilities in key sectors such as crop monitoring, disaster management, climate observation, and communications. The facility could also create new revenue opportunities by offering satellite assembly and testing services to neighbouring countries.
In addition, Russia has pledged to support the training of Ethiopian professionals in advanced scientific and technical fields, helping build the skilled workforce needed to sustain the country’s long-term space ambitions.