jasdooit

Addis Ababa, December 1, 2025 (ENA) —The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) has launched a new system of satellite data collection stations in Addis Ababa and various regional cities, representing a major advancement in Ethiopia’s digital transformation initiatives.

The State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Muluken Kere, emphasized that the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy has established a solid base for significant technological progress throughout the nation.

He observed continuous advancements in developing digital infrastructure and reiterated the government’s dedication to increasing the number of satellite data receiving stations across the country.

Muluken also highlighted recent digital achievements, such as the launch of the Digital ID initiative, and stressed that Ethiopia’s growing number of qualified experts is a positive sign for the nation’s technological future.

Ethiopia needs approximately 200 Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) for maximum coverage, but only 10 have been set up to date.

SSGI intends to add 10 more stations during this financial year and hopes to reach a total of 30 in the following two years.

The newly introduced stations consist of one in Addis Ababa, acting as the primary control center, four in Sheger and nearby towns, along with additional ones in Bonga, Semera, Jigjiga, Debre Berhan, and Jimma.

The enhanced ETCORS system is anticipated to greatly enhance city administration and aid in the growth of infrastructure.

The Director General of SSGI, Abdisa Yilma (PhD), mentioned that the stations are equipped with modern technology aimed at delivering real-time geospatial information to surveyors, researchers, disaster-risk analysts, topographers, and mapping experts.

He emphasized the essential importance of precise geographic data in the planning and building of structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, and dams.

The system will also assist agriculture, industry, mining, and other vital sectors, aiding in high-quality land management and development.

Abdisa mentioned that SSGI will extensively utilize the new stations to improve surveying, mapping, and research efforts throughout the nation.

The State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Fanta Dejen, stated that the system will greatly enhance public services, particularly in urban land management.

“This will enhance the speed, transparency, and fairness of services,” Fanta stated, highlighting that the system’s highly accurate measurements will assist in minimizing public grievances.

He mentioned that ETCORS will also aid in the development of smart cities and the growth of urban green areas.

The ETCORS initiative is intended not only for Ethiopia but also for surrounding nations and the worldwide community.

The facilities, which started functioning today, are anticipated to improve data-based decision-making and increase the precision of surveying, property registration, and city planning processes.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure is striving to set up 14 more CORS stations throughout Ethiopia, continuing to enhance the country’s geospatial infrastructure system.