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A joint proposal by four organizations, including DFP, has been selected for the Space Strategy Fund project.

We are pleased to announce that our company, in collaboration with Cross U, Axelspace, and ENKOPA Lab, has been selected for the “Acceleration Project for Satellite Data Utilization System Implementation (B): Development, Demonstration, and Social Implementation Infrastructure Development of Satellite Data Utilization Systems, etc., Overseas (Commissioned)” promoted by JAXA.

DFP has formed a consortium with CrossU, Axelspace, and ENKOPA Lab to lead the commercialization and social implementation of these initiatives, particularly in the African region.

DFP has formed a consortium with CrossU, Axelspace, and ENKOPA Lab to lead the commercialization and social implementation of these initiatives, particularly in the African region.

This initiative aligns closely with the following areas of focus for DFP, and aims to contribute to sustainable industrial development in Africa by creating new business models that utilize satellite data.

  • Mobility and Logistics
  • Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Climate and Environmental Data Utilization

Press release follows

Joint Proposal by Four Organizations Selected for Japan’s Space Strategy Fund Program
Leveraging Satellite Data and Financial Mechanisms from Japan to Address Social Challenges in Africa
Aiming to build a sustainable local ecosystem for mutual growth between Japan and Africa

Cross U (Representative Director: Shinichi Nakasuga), Axelspace (CEO: Tomoya Nakamura), Double Feather Partners. (CEO: Kohei Muto), and ENKOPA Lab (Founder: Bernard Laurendeau) are pleased to announce that their joint proposal has been selected for the second phase of the Space Strategy Fund Program promoted by JAXA.

The proposal, titled “Establishing a Methodology to Address Social Challenges in Africa Using a Japan-Developed Common Platform for Satellite Data Utilization” was selected under the technology development theme:
“Implementation of Satellite Data Utilization System (B): Establishing Foundations for Overseas Deployment”

Background of the Project

Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, making the resolution of social challenges such as agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, and disaster risk management increasingly urgent.

Satellite data is expected to play a critical role in addressing these challenges. However, many past initiatives have struggled to achieve long-term adoption due to factors such as:

  • High implementation costs
  • Limited local expertise in satellite data utilization
  • Insufficient post-deployment support

As a result, many projects have failed to achieve sustained local usage and ecosystem development.

Key Features of the Project

To overcome these barriers, the project will integrate both technical systems and social systems by combining Japanese technology with local African stakeholders.

Rather than simply providing satellite data or analytical tools, the initiative emphasizes industry creation and ecosystem development, enabling African countries to expand their own space-related industries while building economically sustainable local ecosystems.

Technical Component “Satellite Data Utilization Platform”

A Japan-developed data platform designed based on local needs, enabling users to easily access, acquire, and analyze various satellite datasets.

Social Component “Satellite Data Utilization Playbook”

A practical framework for ecosystem development that includes:

  • Organizational structures centered on local government, industry, and academia
  • Budget design incorporating financial and public funding mechanisms
  • A structured roadmap for sustainable commercialization

The project will be led by the four core organizations in collaboration with Japanese government institutions and space startups. Through this initiative, the partners aim to create a practical implementation partnership that supports Africa’s growth while generating long-term benefits for both Japan and Africa.

Overview of the Space Strategy Fund Program

The Space Strategy Fund Program, established within JAXA, supports multi-year research, development, and social implementation of space technologies through collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

Led by Japan’s Cabinet Office in cooperation with relevant ministries, the program promotes strategic technological development in the space sector.

Comments from Representatives

Shinichi Nakasuga

Representative Director, Cross U

“The core of this project is not merely providing advanced space technologies, but creating a social foundation where those technologies can be continuously used and generate new value locally. By connecting satellite data and utilization technologies with Africa’s real needs, human resources, and industries, we aim to establish a sustainable ecosystem. Leveraging the Space Strategy Fund, Japan and Africa will work as equal partners to build a long-term co-creation model for space utilization.”

Tomoya Nakamura

CEO, Axelspace

“Many social challenges faced by African countries can be addressed through satellite data, yet its practical utilization remains limited. This project aims to build an ecosystem where local needs and stakeholders organically connect with satellite data and technologies originating from Japan. As a core technology provider, Axelspace will contribute to creating a sustainable local space utilization industry and strengthening long-term partnerships between Japan and Africa.”

Kohei Muto

CEO, Double Feather Partners

“Since 2018, we have pursued a dual strategy of investing in Japanese satellite startups while building impact-driven businesses addressing social challenges in Africa. Implementing this initiative in Africa represents a core growth strategy that simultaneously solves social issues and enhances business value. We will work to transform satellite data into sustainable, locally driven business opportunities and support the entire process from implementation to commercialization.”

Bernard Laurendeau

Founder, ENKOPA Lab

“By combining Japan’s advanced satellite technologies with Africa’s abundant tech talent, we will build data-driven decision-making platforms tailored to each country. These platforms will help reduce disaster risks and strengthen infrastructure resilience while creating sustainable social foundations for future generations.”

Company Overviews

Cross U

A space business co-creation platform established in September 2022 by Mitsui Fudosan and members of Japan’s space industry community, with operations starting in April 2023.
With more than 350 special members (as of February 2026), Cross U is one of Japan’s largest space business communities, operating primarily from Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

Official website
https://www.crossu.org/

Axelspace Corporation

Founded in 2008 under the vision “Space within Your Reach.”
Axelspace develops and operates small satellites and provides satellite services through:

  • AxelLiner – satellite development and operation services
  • AxelGlobe – Earth observation data services using the company’s optical satellite constellation.

Official website
https://www.axelspace.com/

Double Feather Partners

Double Feather Partners is a Japan-based venture capital and advisory firm specializing in Africa.
The firm has supported more than 130 startups through venture investments and advisory services and maintains strong local networks with offices and resident teams in Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.

Official website
https://doublefeather.com/

ENKOPA Lab

ENKOPA Lab is a Tokyo-based boutique management consulting firm supporting business expansion across Africa.
Through strategic insights, in-depth market research, and a strong expert network, the firm works with governments, corporations, and startups to achieve measurable outcomes even in complex markets.

Official website
https://www.enkopalab.com/