Tokyo, Japan, February 19, 2026 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Tokyo-based space start-up delivering micro-satellite constellations from design to operations, today announced that it has formed a consortium with General Incorporated Association Cross U (“Cross U”), Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), and Double Feather Partners to promote co-creation in the African space market. The four organizations entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 18, 2026 to establish a framework for collaboration.
Public–Private Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa, led by Ayano Kunimitsu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
The consortium seeks to move beyond conventional Official Development Assistance (ODA) frameworks by directly connecting Japan’s advanced space technologies with the private-sector dynamism of African nations. It will embed Japanese digital infrastructure, including satellite systems, data platforms, and space-enabled services, into Africa’s social and economic foundations. Through this approach, the initiative aims to operationalize within the space domain the principles of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” vision, originally advocated by the Japanese government in 2016 under then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Building a Sustainable Co-Creation Model Beyond Traditional ODA
Across Africa, countries face urgent challenges, including climate change-driven droughts and floods, food security risks, and growing infrastructure demands from rapid urbanization. Satellite data and space-based technologies offer concrete tools to address these issues; however, limited local infrastructure, institutional readiness, and operational know-how continue to constrain practical implementation.
Through the [1] Cross U Africa Initiative Working Group established in November 2025, the four organizations collaborated with more than 20 Japanese partners across industry, academia, and government to explore concrete models for co-creation with African nations. Following participation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s [2] Public and Private Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa in January 2026, the parties established the consortium to move beyond the cooperation phase and enter an implementation phase, driving concrete, private-sector-led business across the continent.
The consortium seeks to bring to life, within the space industry, the principle of “co-creation of innovative solutions” set forth in the Yokohama Declaration adopted at TICAD 9. Rather than simply transferring technology, it aims to build genuine partnerships with African business counterparts and cultivate a space industry ecosystem that drives economic growth for both Japan and African nations.
Pilot Initiative: Private-Sector Co-Creation in Ethiopia Using Satellite Data
Prior to the formal establishment of the consortium, the first pilot project was launched in Ethiopia in January 2026. Axelspace and Ethiopian technology company Jethi Software Development PLC (“Jethi”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the use of satellite data to address pressing social challenges. Ethiopia will serve as a reference model for future expansion across the continent.
Scope of Co-Creation
By integrating Axelspace’s expertise in high-frequency satellite data analytics with Jethi’s local network and software development capabilities, the partners will develop solutions targeting Ethiopia’s most pressing priorities, including agricultural productivity, forest conservation, and urban planning optimization.
Strategic Significance
Rather than adopting a conventional technology transfer approach, the project aims to establish a sustainable business model in which local enterprises independently operate and monetize satellite-enabled services. Through this model, Japanese space technologies can be embedded into Ethiopia’s social and economic infrastructure, enabling both sustained business growth and measurable social impact.
Workshop session in Ethiopia
Future Outlook
In April 2026, consortium members will return to Africa to engage in discussions with local public institutions aimed at forming additional implementable projects and advancing new co-creation models.
As a key year for translating TICAD 9 commitments into tangible action, the consortium will present progress updates at NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2026 in November, one of Asia’s largest space business events.
The consortium will continue expanding partnerships across African nations, with the goal of embedding space-based technologies into local economies and fostering industries that endure beyond any single project or funding cycle.
Reference:
[1] Cross U: Press release on the establishment of Cross U Africa Initiative Working Group (Japanese only)
https://www.crossu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e255d4e669-1.pdf
[2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: FY2025 Public and Private Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa (results)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/afr/af2/pageite_000001_01466.html
[3] Axelspace Signs MoU with Ethiopian Company to Address Social Challenges through the Utilization of Satellite Data
https://www.axelspace.com/news/mou_ethiopia/
Executive Comments
Shinichi Nakasuka
President of the Board, Cross U
“Africa’s social challenges are directly linked to global sustainability. While our previous working group focused on dialogue and opportunity exploration, this consortium moves decisively toward project formation and commercialization based on space technology and data. By connecting Japan’s expertise in space, data utilization, and finance with Africa’s private-sector dynamism, Cross U will serve as a hub to accelerate implementation and international expansion of Japan’s space industry.”
Yuya Nakamura
President and CEO, Axelspace Corporation
“Satellite data holds significant potential to address social challenges across Africa, yet practical utilization remains limited. In addition to government commitment, the participation of local businesses with a deep understanding of on-the-ground needs is essential. Through this consortium and the Cross U Africa Initiative Working Group, we will partner with local enterprises to develop impactful solutions and foster mutually beneficial relationships between Japan and African nations.”
Kohei Muto
CEO, Double Feather Partners
“Rapid economic growth across Africa has brought diverse social challenges to the forefront. At the same time, innovation-driven startups are emerging as key actors in addressing these issues. Through this partnership, we will promote co-creation between Japanese satellite technologies and African innovation ecosystems, contributing both to social impact and the creation of new business opportunities.”
Takayoshi Fukuyo
CEO, ArkEdge Space
“Through our participation in the Cross U Africa Initiative Working Group, particularly within the satellite IoT manufacturing subcommittee, we have examined how satellite IoT communications, constellation deployment, and integrated data utilization can address pressing societal challenges, including drought resilience and food security. During TICAD 9, we signed memoranda of understanding with three African countries regarding satellite-based initiatives and have since advanced collaboration. Looking ahead, we will further accelerate efforts to deploy satellite-enabled infrastructure that contributes to both regional problem-solving and new business opportunities, in alignment with the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
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/