Tokyo, Japan, October 3, 2025 — ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations, today announced the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with African institutions. These agreements establish frameworks to address pressing social challenges and foster human capital development in Africa through the use of space data and satellite technologies.
Collaboration at TICAD9
At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Business Forum held in Yokohama in August 2025, ArkEdge Space signed agreements with:
・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.
・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.
Additionally, through CROSS-U (Cross-border University Initiative), where ArkEdge Space CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo serves as Leader of the IoT Satellite Manufacturing Subcommittee under the Emerging Countries Working Group, the company also concluded MoUs and LOIs with:
・The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Imnovation (MESTI) of Ghana
・The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Tokyo, Japan
・The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA)
・The Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (Côte d’Ivoire)
These partnerships confirm joint efforts to promote sustainable development and capacity building across Africa through space data utilization.
Signing of MoU with E-JUST, JKUAT, UNISEC-Global, and ISSL at TICAD9
Expanding Partnerships at IAC 2025
At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, ArkEdge Space signed a LOI with Angola’s Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Espacial Nacional (GGPEN). The agreement establishes a framework to expand satellite technology deployment and space data applications in support of sustainable development initiatives across the African continent.
Signing of the cooperation agreement with GGPEN at IAC 2025
Overview of Africa Business Development through TICAD and IAC
Background
ArkEdge Space is committed to leveraging satellite constellations and geospatial data platforms to address critical challenges such as climate change mitigation, agricultural and forestry management, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response and resilience. By centering cooperation with African nations, ArkEdge Space aims to accelerate solutions to social issues and advance capacity building through practical applications of space technology.
Areas of Cooperation
・Applying space data to agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and water resource management
・Promoting education and joint research in small satellite design, development, and utilization
・Implementing technology exchange and capacity-building programs
・Establishing cooperative frameworks including funding and cost-sharing models
Looking Ahead
Through these collaborations, ArkEdge Space will help build regional hubs for satellite data utilization, contributing to Africa’s sustainable development and human capacity growth. The company remains committed to its 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.
Head Office Location
3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takayoshi FUKUYO
Founded: in July 2018
Website: https://arkedgespace.com/