20–27 Mar 2026
Wild View Resorts
Africa/Gaborone timezone

From Grassroots to National Infrastructure: The ESSS Model for Space Sector Development

24 Mar 2026, 12:15
15m
Wild View Resorts

Wild View Resorts

Plot 80 President Avenue, Kasane, Botswana
In-person - Talk 2&3 Outreach initiatives Across Africa Education, Development & Outreach

Speaker

Kirubel Menberu Alemu (Ethiopian Space Science Society)

Description

The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS), established in 2004, is a leading non-governmental organization advancing space science and technology in Ethiopia through a four-pillar model: Education, Outreach, Research Infrastructure Development, and Advocacy. ESSS builds capacity from grassroots to professional levels by expanding access to learning, delivering nationwide outreach and citizen science programs, and developing technical skills through hands-on activities. The Society played a foundational role in the establishment of the national Space Science and Geospatial Institute and continues to strengthen research capabilities by developing new facilities in partnership with universities. Through its Advocacy work, ESSS supports policymakers in integrating space science into national development agendas. This presentation outlines ESSS’s model, major achievements, challenges faced along the way and its strategic direction for sustainable capacity development in Ethiopia.

Stream Education, Development and Outreach

Primary author

Kirubel Menberu Alemu (Ethiopian Space Science Society)

Presentation materials

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