Ethiopia has taken a monumental step toward digital transformation and geospatial independence with the official launch of a nationwide network capable of receiving continuous, real-time satellite data. The Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) system, spearheaded by the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), promises to revolutionize development planning, infrastructure management, and key economic sectors across the nation.

The SSGI announced the operational status of nine out of the ten initially installed CORS centers in Addis Ababa and key regional cities. This infrastructure allows the country to bypass outdated data collection methods, securing a reliable flow of high-accuracy geospatial information.

Dr. Abdissa Yilma, the SSGI's Chief Director, confirmed the successful implementation, highlighting the system's ability to support critical government functions. "This technology is a game-changer," Dr. Abdissa stated. "It drastically reduces the time required for accurate data gathering—a process that once took several days using traditional GPS methods can now be completed in mere hours or minutes."

The new CORS technology—a network of fixed ground stations that constantly track global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)—provides the centimeter-level accuracy essential for modern development.

According to officials, the immediate beneficiaries of this real-time data flow include:

• Urban Planning and Construction: Enabling smart city development, precise cadastral mapping, and the highly accurate design of major roads, railways, and utilities.
• Agriculture: Facilitating precision farming techniques, irrigation optimization, and effective crop monitoring to boost food security.
• Mega-Projects and Mining: Ensuring positional accuracy for large-scale infrastructure and efficient resource exploration.
• Digitalization Effort: Both the State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Mulugeta Kere, and the State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Fenta Dejen, hailed the launch as a foundational work toward achieving the "Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy."

The expansion of the ETCORS (Ethiopian CORS) network is not just a domestic achievement but also a significant move toward positioning Ethiopia as a regional leader in geospatial science.

By building sophisticated internal infrastructure, Ethiopia is reducing its dependency on external data sources, thereby enhancing data sovereignty and security. Furthermore, the SSGI has indicated plans to make the service available to neighboring countries, positioning Ethiopia as a crucial data-sharing hub that can help bridge the geospatial information gap across the African continent. This provides essential support for sustainable development, climate resilience, and effective disaster management across East Africa.

The government has indicated that efforts are already underway to expand the network by establishing additional centers in cities across the country, further decentralizing access and ensuring that individuals and professionals can access essential mapping and surveying services remotely.