Addis Ababa, August 26, 2025 (POA) -- The Secretary-General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres warmly welcomed the UN General Assembly's decision to establish two new mechanisms within the United Nations to promote international cooperation on the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The establishment of the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance marks a significant step forward in global efforts to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while addressing its risks. This pathbreaking milestone underlines Member States’ commitment to build on the Global Digital Compact adopted as part of the Pact for the Future in September 2024. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will provide an inclusive platform within the United Nations for states and stakeholders to discuss the critical issues concerning AI facing humanity today. The Scientific Panel on AI will serve as a crucial bridge between cutting-edge AI research and policymaking. By providing rigorous, independent scientific assessments, it will help the international community to anticipate emerging challenges and make informed decisions about how we govern this transformative technology. The Secretary-General will shortly be launching an open call for nominations for the Scientific Panel, which will present its annual reports at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance to take place in July 2026 in Geneva and 2027 in New York, according to a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The Secretary-General called on all stakeholders to support this historic initiative and contribute to building a future where artificial intelligence serves the common good of all humanity.

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) has emphasized that the Digital Ethiopia program is crucial to deliver simplified services to the business community. According to the Chamber, the program is already enhancing market linkages, conserving time, and curbing unnecessary costs for businesses. Sebesib Abafira, President of the ECCSA, told ENA that the chamber has been working to enhance its role in supporting the private sector. It has undertaken strategic reforms to achieve its mandate and is working to mobilize and prepare enterprises to improve their competitiveness locally, regionally, and internationally. The President also noted that consultation forums are being established to raise awareness and prepare the business community for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Ethiopia's upcoming joining of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The government is actively encouraging the adoption of new technology by businesses, which aligns with the key priorities of the Digital Ethiopia roadmap, he added. The President also stressed that the salary increment for civil servants doesn’t create inflationary pressure or influence on the overall market stability. Sebesib further stated that the country's ongoing pursuit of food sovereignty is helping to support the market balance of demand and supply. Furthermore, the business community, in collaboration with the Chamber, will remain committed to providing quality customer services and maintaining fair and legitimate trade practices, he stated.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2025 (ENA) - Special attention is being given to nurturing a generation grounded in knowledge and skills in the Amhara Regional State, according to Chief Administrator Arega Kebede. The Digital Amhara Initiative program, which is expected to benefit more than five million youth over the next five years, was inaugurated yesterday in Bahir Dar City. In his closing remarks, Arega Kebede emphasized that the regional government is committed to building a generation capable of innovating, applying, and utilizing technology.   The initiative, he said, seeks to produce citizens who excel in technological innovation, knowledge, and skills. He further noted that the Amhara Region has set a target of achieving its development aspirations through digital technology, as outlined in the region’s 25-year development and growth plan. The Digital Amhara Initiative, to be implemented from 2018 to 2022 EC, is projected to train and benefit more than five million young people. The Chief Administrator also stressed that leaders at all levels must prepare themselves and work diligently to realize this goal, while teachers should play a vital role in ensuring the program’s success. Mulunesh Dessie, Head of the Regional Education Bureau with the rank of Deputy Chief Administrator, highlighted that the Digital Amhara Initiative will play a key role in producing citizens who are knowledgeable, scientifically minded, and equipped with technological skills.   This, she noted, will help students access information quickly, make learning more engaging, and align education with the demands of the digital era. She called on all stakeholders to support efforts to enhance citizens’ digital literacy and skills, enabling them to compete in international online businesses. She further noted that the region is working to expand various digital initiatives and provide services free from human contact. Abel Feleke, Head of the Regional Innovation and Technology Bureau, underscored the need to strengthen digital infrastructure to ensure quality education.   He stressed the importance of expanding internet services, providing electronic devices, and developing accessible, culturally relevant digital content for all students, including those with disabilities.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2025 (ENA) -- In a sweeping INTERPOL-coordinated operation, authorities across Africa have arrested 1,209 cybercriminals targeting nearly 88,000 victims. The crackdown recovered 97.4 million USD and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, underscoring the global reach of cybercrime and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation. Operation Serengeti 2.0 (June to August 2025) brought together investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom to tackle high-harm and high-impact cybercrimes including ransomware, online scams and business email compromise (BEC). These were all identified as prominent threats in the recent INTERPOL Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report. The operation was strengthened by private sector collaboration, with partners providing intelligence, guidance and training to help investigators act on intelligence and identify offenders effectively, according to INTERPOL. This intelligence was shared with participating countries ahead of the operation, providing critical information on specific threats as well as suspicious IP addresses, domains and C2 servers. Authorities in Angola dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centres. The crackdown identified 45 illicit power stations which were confiscated, along with mining and IT equipment worth more than USD 37 million, now earmarked by the government to support power distribution in vulnerable areas. Zambian authorities dismantled a large-scale online investment fraud scheme, identifying 65,000 victims who lost an estimated USD 300 million. The scammers lured victims into investing in cryptocurrency through extensive advertising campaigns promising high-yield returns. Victims were then instructed to download multiple apps to participate. Authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized key evidence, including domains, mobile numbers and bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing with efforts focused on tracking down overseas collaborators.   Also in Zambia, authorities identified a scam centre and, in joint operations with the Immigration Department in Lusaka, disrupted a suspected human trafficking network. They confiscated 372 forged passports from seven countries. Despite being one of the oldest-running internet frauds, inheritance scams continue to generate significant funds for criminal organisations. Officers in Côte d'Ivoire dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, arresting the primary suspect and seizing assets including electronics, jewellery, cash, vehicles and documents. With victims tricked into paying fees to claim fake inheritances, the scam caused an estimated USD 1.6 million in losses. Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, said: "Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims." Prior to the operation, investigators participated in a series of hands-on workshops covering open-source intelligence tools and techniques, cryptocurrency investigations and ransomware analysis. This focused training strengthened their skills and expertise, directly contributing to the effectiveness of the investigations and operational successes. The operation also focused on prevention through a partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a consortium of law enforcement agencies from 36 countries dedicated to identifying and mitigating potential cybercriminal activity before it occurs. The InterCOP project is led by the Netherlands and aims to promote a proactive approach to tackling cybercrime. Participating countries include Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2025 (ENA)-- A mobile application that provides information, which helps Ethiopian citizens deployed overseas to protect their rights and safety, was launched today. The application called "LeMengede" is launched jointly by the Ministry of Labor and Skills and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The mobile application also enables citizens to access diverse information, including destination countries, rights, responsibilities, and addresses of the Ethiopian Embassies and consular offices in the respective countries. Speaking during the launching ceremony, Labor and Skills State Minister Nebiha Mohammed said the application is developed with the view to enabling Ethiopian citizens to access relevant information, including the rules and regulations about the destination countries.   According to her, the application will also enable them to access the world labor market. On his part, ILO Country Director for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, Khumbula Ndaba, said the mobile application has been developed as a unique tool to provide accessible, multilingual information, informtion on rights, safe migration practices, and emergency support mechanisms to Ethiopian migrant workers.   The application aims to empower them to make informed choices before departure to navigate challenges while overseas and to seek help in times of need, he added. The director also said ILO remains fully committed to supporting the Ministry of Labor and Skills and all national partners in ensuring that tools like "LeMengede" are widely adopted effectively and integrated into Ethiopia's migration governance system. "We'll continue to facilitate regional knowledge sharing, capacity building and technical assistance; so that Ethiopians or Ethiopia and its neighbors can collectively strengthen the protection of migrant workers," Ndaba further noted.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (POA) – The Addis Ababa City Administration has announced that it is ramping up efforts to advance the Coders Initiative, aimed at equipping the city’s youth with competitive ICT skills. Awale Mohamed, Head of the Addis Ababa Innovation and Technology Development Bureau (ITDB), told ENA that the intensified work seeks to qualify young people under the Coders Initiative to meet global standards. Of the 338,000 youths enrolled in the program in Addis Ababa, about 200,000 have already completed their training. This summer, ITDB has planned to train an additional 108,000 youths, with 52,400 of them receiving training in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Education Bureau. The program is also expanding through partnerships with academic institutions and Technical and Vocational Training Schools. The initiative’s primary goal is to produce globally competent ICT professionals, as demand for skilled youth from international organizations continues to rise. On the 18th of July 2025, Ministry of Innovation and Technology reported that some 1.6 million Ethiopians were participating in the national 5-Million Coders' Training Program and so far, 900,000 youth have completed the program. Awale emphasized that the training program, including artificial intelligence (AI) components, will continue to be scaled up to prepare youth for emerging opportunities. The Coders Initiative is part of the broader vision to transform Addis Ababa into a smart city by 2030. The smart city plan is built on six pillars: smart economy, smart environment, smart governance, smart living, smart mobility, and smart people, with a strong focus on digitalization. In related developments, ITDB leadership and staff recently held discussions with a South Korean delegation led by Eunhee Roh, Team Leader for Overseas Projects at the Seoul Urban Solutions Agency (SUSA) under the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The talks focused on potential cooperation in ICT infrastructure development, e-government services, and establishing a cloud data center, among other areas. On July 23, 2024, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the 5 million Ethiopian Coders Initiative in a bid to provide online coding training to 5 million young people across Ethiopia, to transform the country into a technology and economic hub. The training covers a variety of areas, including web programming, Android app development, data science, and foundational AI skills.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (ENA) - Africa’s premier financial institution is betting on artificial intelligence to fast-track the continent’s flagship development plan. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has funded specialized AI training for officials across African Union member states, aiming to sharpen monitoring of Agenda 2063 targets. Held in Lusaka, Zambia, the intensive five-day workshop equipped participants with hands-on experience using platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, and Perplexity. AU Commission and African Capacity Building Foundation co-hosted the event, focusing on harnessing digital tools for tracking progress in the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2024–2033). Abibu Tamu, the Bank’s lead program coordinator, stressed AI’s transformative potential: “These tools revolutionize how data gets analyzed, enabling targeted policies and smarter resource allocation.” Beyond technical skills, the sessions fostered peer learning among nations. Delegates shared best practices for embedding AI in national planning a critical move as Africa seeks evidence-based solutions for infrastructure, poverty reduction, and industrialization targets. The Bank’s backing signals its commitment to innovation-driven development. As digital transformation reshapes governance, could AI become Africa’s secret weapon in closing implementation gaps? With Agenda 2063’s ambitious vision of integrated prosperity, such tech-enabled accountability might prove indispensable, News Ghana reported.

Addis Ababa, August 8, 2025 (ENA) – The Ministry of Innovation and Technology announced today that the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy has achieved fundamental success, significantly boosting the country's competitiveness in the global digital economy. The Ministry emphasized that the Future Tech-2025 Expo, a key initiative to advance the country's digital economy, will be held at the New International Convention Center in November. This announcement was made during a press conference with the Ethiopian ICT Park, where officials also highlighted other major projects, including the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, the 5 million Ethio-Coders Initiative, and new investment opportunities in technology and innovation. Muluken Kere, State Minister Innovation and Technology, stated that the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy has successfully enhanced Ethiopia's competitiveness in the global digital economy.   He also revealed that the Future Tech-2025 Expo, which will take place from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the New International Convention Center, is expected to significantly contribute to sustaining this progress. He urged technologically skilled Ethiopians, as well as private and public companies, to actively participate in the expo, noting that collective participation is vital for building a robust digital economy. Henok Ahmed, Ethiopian ICT Park CEO, on his part stated that the Future Technology Expo will showcase achievements under the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy.   He explained that the strategy focuses on emphasizing technology development products and services from both the public and private sectors, adding that the expo will play a crucial role in advancing the upcoming Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy and will serve as a platform to promote ongoing projects at the ICT Park. Concurring with this, Innovation and Technology Senior Advisor Abiot Bayu emphasized that the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy has already made remarkable strides in enhancing Ethiopia's digital economy competitiveness. The advisor noted significant progress in several key areas, including digital skills development, digital finance, digital identification, government services, and online commerce, as well as the initiative to train 5 million Coders. He stated that modern frameworks like the Startup Proclamation are now being implemented to build on the successes of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which has already laid a solid foundation for enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. Adding to this, Redwan Abdi, CEO of the Research Centre for Innovation Development and Cooperation, said the upcoming expo will strengthen public-private partnerships in technology development.   He emphasized that the event will focus on investment and diplomacy, skills and innovation, policy development, partnerships, and expanding foreign direct investment in Ethiopia, to involve some 1,000 international companies. It has been confirmed that senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, technology development partners, and various development companies will participate.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2025 (ENA) —The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) is intensifying its efforts to build independent technological capabilities, aiming to secure Ethiopia's cyber sovereignty. The Information Network Security Administration (INSA), in partnership with Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (ASTU), has kicked off the fourth annual Cyber Talent Summer Camp. The program selected some 784 participants from more than 8,000 applicants based on their academic performance, talent, and creativity. This year's training sessions are being held at three locations: Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (ASTU), INSA headquarters, and Bahir Dar University. During the official launch, INSA Director General Tigest Hamid highlighted the program's crucial role in developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce. She emphasized that creating a "cyber army" using homegrown technology is essential for achieving cyber sovereignty. “We are focusing on empowering young people and building human capacity to defend the nation’s digital infrastructure,” she said. According to Tigest, a strong cybersecurity workforce will support the realization of Digital Ethiopia 2025 by expanding online services and preventing cyberattacks. She stressed that INSA is committed to developing internationally competitive talent and advancing independent technologies. ASTU Vice President Kemal Ibrahim reaffirmed the university’s dedication to working closely with INSA in producing skilled professionals in cybersecurity and related fields. He added that the university focuses on cybersecurity, data science, and research, and is ready to allocate resources and collaborate with INSA in these areas.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ministry of Innovation and Technology announced that over 900 government services have been digitalized under the framework of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy. Lead Executive Officer for Digital Economy Development at the Ministry, Seyoum Mengesha, told ENA that a wide range of initiatives have been implemented to advance the strategy’s goals, including the expansion of digital services, the establishment of a digital payment system, and the rollout of a digital identification program. Since the launch of the strategy, the country has made significant strides in digital infrastructure, Seyoum said, mentioning the construction of international-standard data centers, along with improved access to electricity and internet connectivity. Mobile and internet subscriptions have grown markedly, and digital payment systems are demonstrating consistent progress. He also emphasized that the digitalization of government services is enhancing efficiency and improving public service delivery as well as the development of a one-stop digital service platform, in particular, has enabled faster and higher-quality services for citizens. Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru, while presenting the company’s performance for the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, reported that 5G services have now been launched in 16 cities, while 4G network coverage has expanded to 512 cities nationwide.   She noted that more than 10,000 mobile sites have been deployed across the country, which has reached 83.2 million. Frehiwot also confirmed that Ethio telecom has contributed to the digitalization of more than 900 government services. Director General of the Federal Public Procurement and Property Authority (FPPA), Meseret Meskele, on her part added that major progress has been made in digitizing government procurement and property administration systems.   This shift, she noted, has significantly increased the speed, transparency, and effectiveness of service delivery. Gabriella Abraham, a legal and policy expert at the National Identification Program, stressed that the rollout of digital IDs is a cornerstone of the digital transformation effort.   She stated that since the program's implementation, reliance on paper-based and unauthorized processes has been greatly reduced and to date, over 20.4 million citizens have been issued digital identification cards.

Addis Ababa, July, 19, 2025 (ENA)— The Startup Proclamation approved this week is a vital tool designed to transform creative ideas of citizens into tangible results and bolster Ethiopia’s innovation-driven economy, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla told ENA. The House of People's Representatives passed the Startup Proclamation during its second emergency session last Thursday, marking a significant step toward establishing a robust startup ecosystem in the country. Ethiopia is actively pursuing multi-sectoral economic development, with notable progress already achieved, the minister said, adding that the proclamation is part of a broader strategy to position creativity and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, alongside traditional sectors. According to him, the proclamation is crafted to build a conducive environment for startups and lay the groundwork for a thriving digital economy and it aims to unleash the potential of Ethiopian youth and empower them to contribute meaningfully to national development. The proclamation will address long-standing challenges in the startup sector and open new avenues for aspiring entrepreneurs to harness opportunities effectively, he underscored. The minister further stated that the legal framework will facilitate the transformation of innovative ideas into impactful ventures, helping Ethiopia to become more competitive in the global startup landscape. In addition to fostering homegrown innovation, the proclamation is expected to support the emergence of large-scale technology companies in the country, Belete said, reaffirming the commitment of the ministry toward ensuring the successful implementation of the proclamation. He also pointed out that the proclamation will enable Ethiopia to become a competitive player in the global startup ecosystem.

Addis Ababa, July 18, 2025 (ENA) --- The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MIT) announced that 1.6 million Ethiopians are currently participating in the national 5-Million Coders’ Training Program. Launched in July 2024 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the initiative aims to equip five million Ethiopians with essential digital skills in areas such as web programming, Android development, data science, and artificial intelligence.   Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Economy Development at the Ministry, Seyoum Mengesha emphasized that expanding Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem is fundamental to achieving the goals of Digital Ethiopia. He stressed that building a skilled workforce is at the heart of this transformation. “The Coders' Training Program is a key driver in developing citizens' digital technology competencies and supporting the ongoing construction of Ethiopia’s digital economy,” the CEO stated. According to him, 1.6 million participants are currently enrolled in the training, while 900,000 youth have already completed the program and received certificates. Seyoum also highlighted the strong engagement of regional states and city administrations, describing the initiative as a national priority. “Several regions have demonstrated commendable performance in mobilizing and supporting trainees.” The CEO further underlined the importance of the initiative in empowering youth to move from digital consumers to active producers and innovators in the digital space. In conclusion, he encouraged students to make the most of their upcoming summer vacation by taking advantage of training opportunities available at schools and higher learning institutions.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2025 (ENA)— The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute has officially launched its 2025 AI Summer Camp—an ambitious initiative designed to equip Ethiopian youth with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence. This Summer Camp has also become a vital platform for empowering the country’s youth to compete globally and proudly represent Ethiopia in the rapidly advancing field of technology. The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute stands as the sole institution leading the country’s efforts to position itself as a global force in artificial intelligence. Through comprehensive efforts in research, innovation, and capacity building, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s vision of becoming a global AI competitor—particularly by nurturing and empowering the next generation of talented young minds. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Worku Gachena, Director General the Institute, highlighted that the camp is designed to nurture talented young minds, foster innovation, and position Ethiopia among the world’s emerging AI hubs. He emphasized the Institute's ongoing efforts to develop human capital, acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future. First launched in 2022 with just 20 participants, the program has seen remarkable growth and this year, 300 students were selected from a pool of 3,000 applicants and will undergo intensive training in various AI domains. Now in its fourth round, the summer camp curriculum includes foundational courses in AI, programming, the Internet of Things, robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, and hands-on practical exercises. The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both students and trainers, with the goal of building a generation of innovators who will drive Ethiopia’s AI ambitions forward. The commencement event was attended by parents, development partners, and other key stakeholders.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethiopia is making remarkable progress in expanding cancer treatment and radiotherapy services, Lead Executive Officer in Charge of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hiwot Solomon told ENA. The Lead Executive Officer said that the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Rays of Hope initiative launched in 2022 in Ethiopia to support low- and middle-income countries to improve life-saving cancer care. Low- and middle-income countries face limitations in resources, trained workforce, and radiation safety infrastructure, which are critical for the safe and efficient delivery of radiation medicine, Director of the Division for Asia and the Pacific Department of Technical Cooperation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Gashaw Gebayehu underscored. Dr. Hiwot described the initiative as “very young” but with “great ambition,” emphasizing its focus on increasing radiotherapy capacity in countries with limited resources." “Radiotherapy treatment and diagnosis is not an easy task to do alone, and the IAEA is a great partner in having this kind of technology in place in different countries,” Dr. Hiwot said, highlighting how Ethiopia benefits from the initiative’s guidance and regulatory support amid rising cancer cases. According to her, Ethiopia currently operates five radiotherapy centers, with plans to expand services nationwide to address geographic and population challenges. “The government allocates budgets with the support of the IAEA, and together with the Rays of Hope initiative, there is a plan to expand the service,” she added. The Lead Executive Officer said, in addition to radiotherapy, the country has intensified community-level cancer screening, notably expanding cervical cancer screening to over 1,500 health facilities and vaccinating more than a million girls against HPV. Stating that Ethiopia prioritizes capacity building in cancer care in partnerships with local institutions and the IAEA, she said that trainings were provided to over 20 professionals in various radiotherapy fields, including nurses, oncologists, and medical physicists. Echoing similar thoughts, Gashaw Gebayehu, reflected on the initiative’s rapid expansion.   “Ever since the first wave of countries in Africa, and the second wave with about 20 countries, have benefited from the IAEA support in the framework of the Rays of Hope initiative, establishing, developing, and expanding radiation medicine services,” he said. He cited that new cancer centers will be launched in Malawi and other African nations. Gashaw also acknowledged the persistent challenges in radiation medicine. “Despite the rising cases of cancer, there is still a significant gap in radiation medicine in low- and middle-income countries. These countries face limitations in resources, trained workforce, and radiation safety infrastructure, which are critical for the safe and efficient delivery of radiation medicine,” he explained. He added that to address these challenges, the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Program provides comprehensive support, including training, equipment procurement, technical advice, and fostering partnerships. “We support the development of biotherapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, and medical physics services, which form the basis for efficient delivery of additional services,” he said.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) -- Forty professionals from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), trained in Aviation Security Quality Control and Risk Management, have obtained international certifications. The organization tasked with supervising the comprehensive aviation security operations in Ethiopia has partnered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to grant international certification to 40 individuals who have undergone training in aviation security quality control and aviation risk management, NISS stated in a press release it sent to ENA. It is worth noting that after twelve years, ICAO conducted an audit of Ethiopia's aviation security practices and confirmed that there are no security issues within the country.   Subsequently, leveraging the positive relationship and collaboration established with the Civil Aviation Security Main Department of NISS, training was held for the first time in Ethiopia from June 16 to July 1, 2025, facilitated by experts from ICAO. The trainers from the ICAO indicated that the international certification enables the airline to perform aviation security quality control operations in all nations where it operates, affirming that the professionals have successfully completed the training, NISS stated in a press release. It further emphasized that the knowledge acquired in the training will not only allow the institution to execute its national mission with high level of efficiency, but it can also be regarded as a notable indication of the special focus Ethiopia has been placing on the aviation security sector. The responsibility for implementing robust quality control and ensuring preparedness for aviation security lies with each member state of the International Civil Aviation Organization. This approach will guarantee the safety of the aviation sector in line with international standards, NISS underlined. The knowledge, skills, and mindset acquired through the training will significantly contribute to the vision and overall institutional strategy aimed at establishing a global presence in the aviation security field, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian Airlines and securing national advantages, the press release stated.

Addis Ababa July 1, 2025 (ENA) -- The Digital Ethiopia 2025 Initiative has delivered significant progress since its implementation over the past five years, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the minister emphasized that sustainable national development depends on a strong foundation of science, technology, and innovation. In this regard, Ethiopia has made a notable stride by establishing a comprehensive legal framework and a national digital strategy aimed at transitioning into a digital economy. According to the minister, infrastructure that supports digital transformation is now actively in use. The Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy has been implemented in alignment with the country’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the 10-Year Development Plan, and African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy. The current five-year strategy will conclude next month, and preparations are underway for a new strategy extending through 2030, the minister added. Among the key achievements of the initiative over the past five years include the expansion of the digital payment system, digital services, and making digital identity accessible. Belete pointed out the launch of Mesob, a One-Stop Digital Service Center, as a major milestone in this respect. The platform consolidates multiple government services into a single digital portal, improving efficiency and accessibility for users, he stated. The minister added that the One-Stop Service model is now being expanded to regional cities to ensure that citizens across the country benefit from digital services.

Addis Ababa, July 1, 2025 (ENA) - The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Training Academy is increasingly becoming the top choice for numerous African countries seeking aviation training, Acting Academy Director of Leulseged Gulelat told ENA. According to the acting director, the academy is producing skilled professionals crucial for the success of aviation industry. He further stated that the training academy has been deploying qualified aviation experts in various regions of the country in fields such as air traffic control, communication and navigation surveillance (CNS) for many years. This year alone, the academy has provided comprehensive theoretical and practical training for more than 86 professionals, and deployed them to work.   Leulseged revealed that the academy's training extends beyond Ethiopia, offering effective training programs to neighboring countries and other African nations, thereby increasing its demand and reputation. He specifically mentioned the recent training it offered to trainees from Djibouti, Somalia, and Comoros. A growing number of African countries are requesting training at the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Training Academy, making it their preferred institution, the acting director added. Underscoring the academy's strong reputation and acceptance across Africa, Leulseged said the academy is focused on various initiatives to further connect the region.   Betelehem Molla, an instructor at the academy and chief air traffic controller on her part stated that the training provided aligns with the current standards of the global aviation industry. She explained that the practical and theoretical training equips trainees with sufficient hands-on knowledge, making them highly effective in the aviation sector.

Addis Ababa, July 1, 2025 (ENA) -- Participants of African delegates at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025) underway in the Rwandan capital of Kigali called for the accelerated adoption of nuclear energy to meet the continent's rising energy demand, support industrialization, and drive sustainable development. As the continent's population is expected to exceed 3 billion in the next four decades, leaders stressed the importance of clean, reliable and scalable energy, particularly nuclear power. "The future of the African energy landscape will continue to be driven by increasing energy demand and population growth," said Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente during the opening ceremony. The Prime Minister stressed the significance of uniting African nations in adopting renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. He underscored their potential to fast-track development milestones while preserving the environment.   Ngirente noted that 600 million Africans currently lack access to electricity. He highlighted nuclear energy as a key sustainable and non-polluting resource that can play a transformative role in boosting energy access and addressing climate challenges. The Prime Minister called on African leaders to seize the opportunities offered by nuclear technologies, emphasizing the importance of establishing frameworks that can accelerate growth and foster inclusive development across the continent. Running through Tuesday, the summit seeks to elevate nuclear energy as a key pillar of Africa's sustainable development. NEISA 2025 is organized in collaboration with key international institutions, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Nuclear Energy Agency, World Nuclear Association, and leading regional financial institutions. This summit brought together policymakers, energy leaders, and nuclear experts from over 40 countries to discuss developing small modular nuclear power plants (SMRs/MMRs). These cutting-edge facilities aim to drive energy self-sufficiency, expand access to clean electricity, combat climate change, and further industrial growth across the continent.

Addis Ababa, June 25, 2025 (ENA)— The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has commended Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts, highlighting the country’s significant strides—particularly its bold move to open up the telcomm market to greater competition. Speaking to ENA, Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Africa, Emmanuel Manasseh, recognized Ethiopia’s progress in embracing digital transformation, particularly through the adoption and implementation of its digital strategy. Highlighting the ITU’s two strategic goals—universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, he emphasized that Ethiopia has made immense strides in advancing its digital transformation agenda. In his recent statement, Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla said Ethiopia has been experiencing "remarkable progress" in digital transformation as part of concerted efforts to expand and modernize telecom infrastructures. Evidently, the East African nation has achieved impressive milestones in advancing telecom infrastructures with recent large-scale advanced 4G and 5G network expansion works.   "I would like to commend the administration of Ethiopia for the adoption and implementation of the digital transformation strategy, which is ending 2025. And also, I want to commend them for a very good job that they are doing in preparing the digital transformation 2025-2030 which ITU is also involved in since the initial stages," the Regional Director Manasseh stated. The "Digital Ethiopia 2025" strategy has made significant progress, particularly in expanding internet access and developing digital infrastructure. For the regional director, connectivity is at the heart of digital transformation as it is the foundation that makes digital transformation possible. He furthermore affirmed that Ethiopia has done a great job in the digital sphere. "Within three years, we see digital financial services increasingly adopted from zero to more than 50 million subscriptions in telebirrr." This growth indicates a substantial expansion of the platform's user base and its role in the country's digital economy, Manasseh also revealed. That is indeed something to be commendable, he said, adding that but also opening up the markets to other players, like Safaricom, this is also one thing that is commendable. Additionally, the regional director applauded Ethiopia for its steps toward establishing a competitive market landscape through increased private sector engagement. He revealed that: "We are seeing the future of Ethiopia, where digital transformation is embraced as we are seeing the future where innovation is harnessed." Referring to the ‘Five Million Coders’ initiative, he affirmed that the program reflects a strong high-level commitment and clearly demonstrates that Ethiopia is taking digital development seriously. The initiative aims to equip the nation's youth with essential digital skills, enabling them to create jobs and generate wealth, thereby driving the growth of the digital economy, it was noted. Taken as a whole, Ethiopia’s commitment to digital transformation has translated into considerable development gains nationwide.

Addis Ababa, June 19, 2025 (ENA) -- One side event at the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings unpacked the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool to advance inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent. Held under the theme: “The AI Revolution: How Will AI Support the Delivery of the African Development Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy and the Transformation of African Economies?”, the 90-minute session convened leading voices from across sectors. The event was co-hosted with Google AI Research. At the heart of the discussion was the question: What will it take for Africa to become AI-ready? which was the central theme of the high-level panel discussion as part of the event. In his opening remarks, Solomon Quaynor, Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization of the African Development Bank underscored the critical role of digital transformation in shaping Africa’s future: “AI is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for Africa’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” he said. Caroline Kende-Robb, Senior Director of Strategy and Operational Policies at the Bank, framed the conversation within the context of the Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy. She stressed that “Investing in youth and data infrastructure is no longer optional—these are the foundations upon which Africa must build its AI future.” Her remarks echoed the strategy’s call to leapfrog development through innovation, anchored in African realities and driven by African talent. Following her intervention, Abdoulaye Diack, Program Manager at Google AI Research Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of AI to address structural challenges and unlock progress in agriculture, education, climate adaptation, and public health. Diack emphasized the importance of contextualizing AI for African environments, warning that “without local data and inclusive models, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer rather than an active creator of AI solutions.” Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, advocated for regional coordination and harmonized policy frameworks to enable responsible, cross-border implementation of AI technologies. Robert Skjodt, Group CEO of Raxio Group, focused on the critical need for robust digital infrastructure—especially local data centers—to support the scale and speed required for Africa’s AI ambitions. Ousmane Fall, Director of Private Sector Transaction Support at the Bank, called for the development of bankable, scalable digital infrastructure projects that can attract long-term investment. A strong consensus emerged across the panel - for Africa to harness AI effectively, it must focus on three foundational pillars which are human capital, data infrastructure and localized data that focuses on providing trainings AI systems on African realities, including languages, culture, and societal needs. With Africa holding just 1.3% of global data storage capacity and lagging in digital readiness, speakers agreed that the continent is at a crossroads and must urgently make the choice to invest now, or risk falling further behind. As Africa moves forward in artificial intelligence, the African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a digital future that is inclusive, sovereign, and anchored in shared prosperity.