Outer Space Policy from the Ethiopian Context: Better to Make or Stay Out?

Abstract

Modern day technologies that drive our global society are highly dependent on the use of outer space-based technologies which presupposes the making of space policies. This is because, today every nation relies on space-based technology for communications, weather forecasting, satellite navigation and resource management, either through indigenous programs or through programs run by its allies. The main objective of this article is to assess whether Ethiopia needs to have outer space policy and regulatory frame works for attaining economic development. The methods used is analysis of different primary sources such as treaties, laws and interviews from the concerned organ as well as secondary sources such as books, articles, and internet sources. It concludes that  Ethiopia have been utilizing the benefits accrued from outer space based technologies without  having national space policy and regulatory frameworks whose absence is  hinders the social well-being and sustainable development of the country. Therefore, Ethiopia should speed up the formulation and implementation of national space policy and strategies and the policy should be able to properly fulfill national demands.