Axelspace Holdings Corp. Announces Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopian Firm Jethi Software Development PLC

Background

Axelspace Holdings Corp. (ticker: AXL, Tokyo Stock Exchange) is a Japanese company that designs, manufactures, operates and sells micro‑satellites and related components. Its flagship Earth‑observation platform, AxelGlobe, delivers business insights for agriculture, disaster monitoring, news reporting and environmental management. The company also offers AxelLiner, a one‑stop service for satellite projects that includes observation, communication, experiment and in‑orbit demonstration missions.

Recent Development

On 13 January 2026, Axelspace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jethi Software Development PLC (Jethi), an Ethiopian technology company. The agreement, announced via a joint press release, aims to address social and development challenges in Ethiopia through the use of satellite‑based Earth observation (EO) data.

Key elements of the MoU include:

  • Provision of EO data and expertise by Axelspace for priority sectors such as agriculture, environmental and forest protection, disaster risk management, climate resilience, urban planning and infrastructure development.
  • Establishment of a local framework by Jethi to facilitate the use of EO data in Ethiopia, coordinating with relevant stakeholders and integrating satellite data with local information and institutional requirements.
  • Identification of priority challenges and development of scalable solutions that combine EO data with local information, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for satellite data utilization in Ethiopia.
  • Participation in the Emerging Countries Working Group of Cross U, an international organization created in 2024 to promote the joint development of space businesses between Japan and African countries.

Strategic Significance

The partnership aligns with Axelspace’s medium‑ to long‑term strategic priority of expanding EO data usage in emerging economies, particularly in Africa. According to Axelspace President and CEO Yuya Nakamura, the demand for satellite data is expected to rise significantly as these countries advance economically. By building win‑win relationships with local public and private partners, Axelspace seeks to create new value for both Japan and its African partners.

Market Context

As of 13 January 2026, Axelspace’s stock closed at ¥529. The company’s market capitalization stands at ¥33,882,927,104. Its 52‑week high was ¥1,141 (19 August 2025) and its 52‑week low was ¥409 (17 December 2025). The price‑earnings ratio is negative at –10.652, reflecting the company’s investment‑heavy business model and current focus on growth and expansion rather than profitability.

Conclusion

The MoU with Jethi Software Development PLC marks a significant step for Axelspace in extending its Earth‑observation services to the African market. By leveraging its technological capabilities and Jethi’s local expertise, the collaboration aims to deliver data‑driven solutions that address critical social and developmental challenges in Ethiopia.