Ethiopia launches first satellite into space

Ethiopia has launched its first satellite into space.

The satellite was launched from China on Friday.

It is expected to help Ethiopia to monitor climate change, improve research in agriculture and drought preparedness.

Government officials led by deputy prime minister Demeke Mekonnen, former prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn witnessed the launch from the Entoto space observatory in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia plans to launch a broadcast satellite into space in the next three years.