Agreement signed to build satellite manufacturing, testing center

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2020 (FBC) –The Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute and the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University have signed an agreement to build satellite manufacturing and testing center in Ethiopia.

Dr Abrham Belay, Minister of Innovation and Technology, said the centre is a flagship project that would help to manufacture, assemble and test satellite.

Recalling the first satellite that Ethiopia had launched with the help of China last year, he said, the center will create an opportunity for the country to run all operation by its own.

Professor Hirut Woldemariam, Minister of Science and Higher Education for her part said the project will be implemented jointly by the two ministerial offices.

The 50 million euros needed for the construction of the centre will be secured from the European Union (EU), French and Ethiopian Governments.

The center will be built in the premises of the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. Construction will commence next Ethiopian fiscal year, it was noted.