Addis Ababa December 12/2023 (ENA)A Microsoft Digital Development Program national workshop jointly organized by Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Microsoft kicked off in Addis Ababa today.   Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla described the two-day workshop as a juncture of transformative promise, convergence of vision, innovation, and transformative potential for Ethiopia and beyond. When Microsoft unveiled the ground breaking Digital Development Program in the wake of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, Ethiopia embraced the initiative. According to the minister, the program is a beacon of hope for low- and middle-income nations, a pathway to a future where digital empowerment is not just a dream, but a tangible reality. “We recognize that in the tapestry of the global economy, digital trends are the most vibrant and essential. It is not enough for us to be mere participants in this digital era,” he said, stressing that “Ethiopia must be at the driver's seat steering the nation towards an innovative and digitally empowered future.” Belete pointed out that the Digital Development Program offers a suite of support encompassing digital advisory, cloud solutions, technical up-skilling, device support, digital services, and capacity-building tools by Microsoft, one of the tech giants in the world. “In these two days, we hope to set the tone and create a clear road-map for the work ahead. This forum is more than an exchange of ideas. It is a vessel where the future of Ethiopia's digital landscape will be forged. The road-map we develop here will guide our collective efforts in realizing the digital transformation of our nation.” Microsoft Global UN and International Development Lead, Alex Pinho said Microsoft launched the Digital Development Program to support developing countries on the use of Microsoft technology for socio-economic development.   “From early stages, the Government of Ethiopia positioned itself as one of the leaders in launching the program at a national level and so we are here to kick start the program and how we are going to apply the program in the context of Ethiopia.” Pinho said the aim of the program is very simple. It is to create conditions, and to bring Microsoft as a way to support the development of the national digital agenda. The program considers national priorities and agendas and collaborative use of Microsoft technology to accelerate the agenda, it was learned.  

Addis Ababa December 11/2023 (ENA) -An aviation innovation expo has opened today at the Science Museum. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics organized a six-day expo to showcase homegrown innovation in the aviation sector. While opening the expo, Speaker of the House of People's Representatives, Tagesse Chafo reaffirmed government's commitment to supporting innovation in the aviation sector, stressing its importance for sustainable development and prosperity. He also urged for the need to translate researches, knowledge and innovations into practical applications for national benefit. Transport and Logistics Minister, Alemu Sime, on his part said that the government promotes the development of aviation technologies and homegrown innovations. The government has given priority to aviation innovation since the reform was launched in the past five years and this expo is a bold move to realize this ambition, Alemu added. Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director-General, Getachew Mengiste stated that the authority is committed to fostering homegrown innovation in the aviation sector and is preparing a national roadmap to transform Ethiopia into a global aviation hub. Apart from 95 youth individuals and groups who exhibited 90 innovation works, 34 individual and governmental institutions are showcasing their works and innovations in the expo, he stated. To support this vision, the authority in partnership with stakeholders will continue nurturing the talents of youths and providing support, the director general said, adding that sustainable support will be provided to at least 15 innovators with better innovation. The event held under the theme "Innovation for Aviation Excellence" represents a significant step forward for Ethiopia's aviation sector, showcasing the country's growing capabilities and potential to become a leading player in the global aviation industry.  

Addis Ababa, November 27/2023 (ENA) The International Telecommunication Union is working in tandem with the government of Ethiopia to get the most out of the nation’s huge potential and realize the national digital strategy, ITU Regional Director for Africa Anne-Rachel Inne said. To use the benefit of the digital world, Ethiopia has adopted a Digital Transformation Strategy 2025. The Digital Ethiopia Strategy 2025 is designed to realize the country’s digital potential and leverage technology to build digital economic development aligned with national development plans. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Inne said Ethiopia is definitely one of the biggest populations on the continent and it is important that we cater with the government and to the priorities of the government. She added “we have been addressing already like mapping the country to see where connectivity is and places where there is no connectivity and how we connect people.” ITU is also working to connect schools with a very young population, it is important that they have the skills to know how to do all of the different and new job types, she affirmed. Highlighting Ethiopia's huge potential with its large population, she said “For a country that is large, has a very big population that can be practically a market in itself so we need to help Ethiopia get the most out of this potential.” The Regional Director of ITU has also mentioned about her institution's collaboration with Ethiopia in the implementation of the strategy, which assesses how digital technologies can be used to develop an inclusive, knowledge-based, and prosperous society by identifying strategic sectors such as agriculture, global manufacturing value chains, IT-based services, and digitally-enabled tourism. “We work in tandem with the government as the country has a national digital strategy. We work with them and then we address all of the specific requests that come to ITU and that is how we actually work in Ethiopia and the entire continent.” Recall that the International Telecommunication Union launched Digital Transformation Centers (DTC) in Addis Ababa in 2022 with a view to enhancing the digital capacities of citizens in the country. The DTC initiative will also help Ethiopia to enhance the use of digital technology for teaching and learning, administration, research, among other purposes. The Initiative delivers basic digital skills training to enhance digital literacy and foster uptake of digital tools among those at the bottom of the social pyramid, according to ITU. It also provides intermediate digital skills training to provide users with job-ready skills, improve workplace efficiency and enhance chances of employability. Regarding the need to change in Africa’s digitalization agenda in general, Inne stressed that change is needed in policy and regulation. She said regulatory expertise needs to be developed continuously to integrate new technologies, competencies and skills to allow for data and evidence-based decision making. For the regional director, the rapid pace of technological innovation and increase in volume of online services requires adaptive policy and regulation. “We at all levels have been as ITU helping our governments and countries that are all members of African countries at ITU as well as a lot of private sectors but also civil society. So we are trying as much as possible really to gel to work together.”  

Addis Ababa, November 24/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia is reinforcing artificial intelligence technology to modernize and enhance efficiency in various sectors, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute Director-General Worku Gachena told ENA. According to the director-general, commendable results have been gained in health, agriculture, and law enforcement activities from the very early stage of AI execution in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute was established in 2020. Major national technological projects are being implemented jointly with higher education institutions and other organizations in the country. Addis Ababa University, in particular, has been working with the various national projects, it was learned. "One of the biggest successes is that universities and researchers from all fields are working together on health, agriculture and other fields," Worku said, adding that this is also imperative for us to strengthen collaboration on major future projects that benefit Ethiopia. Artificial intelligence is a new phenomenon that Ethiopia has been aggressively working on and exploiting the technology to accelerate its development. “As artificial intelligence technology is new, Ethiopia is working hard to get the most out of this technology. In this, all sectors are employing it on a wide scale so that they can improve their quality and efficiency by using artificial intelligence.” The director-general also mentioned some challenges in AI technology, particularly lack of trained manpower and expertise. However, the country’s universities are designing curriculum to teach AI education in Masters and PhD levels to solve these problems through education and training. Addis Ababa University President, Samuel Kifle said Ethiopia needs to redouble its efforts on artificial intelligence as the next move of this world would be on big data, alternative things, and robotics.   The president stressed the need to think of transforming curriculum and having graduates of 21st century that can understand how this new world is operating and how artificial intelligence is affecting the universe. “It is not enough to teach agriculture, we have to teach our plant and animal scientists and plant scientists. They have to learn how they can detect diseases and prescribe solutions assisted by artificial intelligence,” Samuel noted. Thus, in order to use big data, research, devising solutions and technology transfer, AI has to serve as a critical technological facility to transform the economy and change the social benefits in Ethiopia. In this case, Addis Ababa University is jointly working with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute. “Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and Addis Ababa University had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). So we have been engaged in various activities, including cargo tracking and improving the logistic system of the country. We have also been working together in improving the tax collection system of the nation and engaging in creating smart cities.”   Addis Ababa University Institutional Development Vice President, Wondwesen Mulugeta said “ we can use AI to support the health sector and the education, transport, and the military. So it is high time that Ethiopia invested a lot in artificial intelligence. But at the same time it needs collaboration with higher learning institutions so that the knowledge and the product can be combined together to achieve the higher goal.”  

Addis Ababa November 23/2023 (ENA) Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute has been implementing various national projects in cooperation with Addis Ababa University (AAU). This was disclosed during a visit of Addis Ababa University management members to the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute today.   Following the visit, Institute Director-General Worku Gachena told ENA that the institute has been executing commendable technological activities with Addis Ababa University. Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, which was established in 2020, has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with various universities and other institutions. “We are working together with the country's higher education institutions and other organizations. But what makes the agreement with Addis Ababa unique is that we are practically working together on a national project and those projects are extensive,” he elaborated. According him, Addis Ababa University is supporting the endeavors of the institute.

Addis Ababa November 23/2023 (ENA) The rapid pace of technological innovation and the increase in volume of online services requires adaptive policy and regulation, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director for Africa Anne-Rachel Inne said. Addressing the 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Communication and ICT today, the regional director said digital transformation is central to the work of the ITU and aligns with its strategic goals of universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. “In partnership with governments, the private sector, academia, development partners and various stakeholders, ITU continues to provide extensive guidance in the development of digital policies and strategies, regulatory environments, global standards, best practices to drive innovation and increase access to digital services by all.” Highlighting that change is needed in policy and regulation, she said regulatory expertise needs to be developed continuously to integrate new technologies, competencies and skills to allow for data and evidence-based decision making. “We all recognize and appreciate how quickly technology advances and as such regulatory frameworks need to evolve and adapt to remain effective and ensure that they are functioning as intended new overlapping emergencies call for a strategic approach to digital policy.” Noting that regulatory and institutional frameworks play a fundamental role in driving digital ecosystem goals, Inne added the connectivity of digital services is significantly and positively correlated with the level of advancement of ICT policies and regulations as well as competition frameworks. Additionally, the regional director said investment and development and infrastructure in the digital ecosystem are directly and positively influenced by the maturity of ICT regulatory frameworks and by completion in ICT markets. For the regional director, the rapid pace of technological innovation and increase in volume of online services requires adaptive policy and regulation. African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid said energy security is of utmost important and we need to scale up access to digital technologies and associated data driven services across all sectors.   The AUC has been implementing various initiatives aimed at accelerating energy access, the commissioner stated, adding the AUC has been making progress in developing policy context, strategies and frameworks to facilitate harmonization of the continental digital system. Digitalization is one of the greatest transformative opportunities of our time. Yet, too few people can truly access it in our continent. Despite lots of improvements, only 40 percent of Africa’s population has broadband internet access. Though mobile internet availability has increased in the continent, broadband infrastructure is yet to reach everyone with quality. To close the gap, Abou-Zeid said significant efforts and investments are required to ensure that everyone is connected to the broadband and high speed internet in an affordable manner. The STC session was held under the theme, “Accelerating Digital Transformation and Advancing Communication Advocacy in Africa”.  

Addis Ababa ,November 22/2023(ENA)-A delegation led by Ethiopian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Dessie Dalkie took part in the Global Korea Forum 2023 held in in Seoul, the Republic of Korea. The forum was held under the theme: A New Paradigm for the Korea-Africa Partnership: Science, Technology, and Innovation in focus to promote collaboration in the area. On the occasion, ambassador Dessie said that the Republic of Korea and Africa have to collaborate in experience sharing in science and technology. The ambassador also underlined the need of digitization in order to further Africa's development and growth. Hence, he stated that Ethiopia and other African Nations could learn and gain experience from Korea's advancements in ICT and Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence. Commissioner of Ethiopia's Civil Service Commission, Mekuria Haile explained about Korea’s best practices in science and technology to highlight the opportunities for cooperation between Africa and the Republic of Korea. The commissioner also emphasized that technology transfer from the Republic of Korea to Africa should be Catalyzed by using support programs like Korean Official Development Assistance (ODA). In his speech, Ambassador Woon-Ki Lyeo, the president of Korea-African Foundation, recalled how Africa, in particular Ethiopia, had supported South Korea during the Korean War and emphasized the need for stronger ties between Africa and the Republic of Korea in areas such as Science and Technology. The President of Science and Technology Policy Institute of Korea, African Ambassadors in Korea, Korean higher government officials and Researchers were in attendance at the forum, according to Ethiopian Embassy in Seoul.

Addis Ababa November 13/2023 (ENA) The Bequ App, Ethiopia's new electronic labor market information system, has made significant progress in improving the country's foreign labor market services, according to Minister of Labor and Skills Muferiat Kamil. Developed by the Ministry of Labor and Skills in partnership with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), the Bequ App was officially launched nationwide last week after a successful pilot phase and full implementation. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the minister said the app has enabled Ethiopia to increase its capacity to deploy workers abroad from less than 200 to over 2,200 per day. "Before implementing the system, we deployed less than 200 workers a day," she said. "But now we can do for 2,200 per day." The Bequ App has also improved Ethiopia's contract approval capacity by 12-fold, and over 127,000 Ethiopian workers have been deployed to foreign countries since the app's full implementation five months ago. “Now it has increased our contract approval capacity by 12-folds. This has happend in seven months. We achieved big in a short time span. We have also deployed over 127,000 workers to foreign countries in the past five months.” The app provides a range of features for both job seekers and employers, it was learned. Muferiat said the Bequ App has been widely praised by many for its comprehensive features, and has also been credited with helping to increase transparency and efficiency in the labor market. Overall, the Bequ App is a promising new tool that is helping to improve labor market services in Ethiopia and destination countries, she said. The Ethiopian government is also working to sign bilateral labor agreements with additional countries in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the minister added.  

Addis Ababa November 13/2023 (ENA)The 386th International Astronomical Union Symposium on Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage kicked off today in Addis Ababa. The Symposium is organized under the theme “Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage in Boosting Astro-tourism around the World.” The five day symposium is organized by the International Astronomical Union in partnership with Ethiopian Space Science and Spatial Institute as well as Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Tourism. The symposium focuses on presenting research findings and sharing experiences to enhance the preservation and utilization of dark skies, discussing mechanisms for boosting astro-tourism worldwide. It also attempts to explore strategies for utilizing and investing in untapped dark sky areas around the world. The symposium brought together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss critical issues like dark sky preservation, astro-tourism development, light pollution mitigation, and protection of astronomical heritage sites. More than 200 participants from around the world are attending the five days symposium. In addition to the main symposium, there will be several side events including an African Planetarium Workshop, capacity building training sessions, and public lectures aimed at boosting interest in astronomy, it was learned. The symposium is the 4th International Astronomical Union symposium held in Africa and the 2nd in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa ,November 11/2023(ENA)- Innovation and Technology Ministry has emphasized the use of astro-tourism as a powerful vehicle to promote tourism industry. During the official opening of the African Planetarium Association (APA) Biannual Workshop today, Ministry Representative Solomon Belay said the event aims to promote and foster astro-tourism and planetarium development in Ethiopia and Africa. Most of the geographies and economic bases of African countries are the rural areas with striking potential for astro-tourism that could benefit the communities and the countries socio-economy, he added. In line with the Homegrown Economy Reform of Ethiopia, the country has implemented legal frameworks that foster digitization, research, innovation, technology, and link them with astronomy. "Now it is a good opportunity to use astro-tourism as a powerful vehicle to promote the tourism industry and to preserve astronomical sites, heritages, indigenous knowledge, and dark sky policies; and this is a good opportunity to local tourism industries to involve themselves in astro-tourism," African Planetarium Association (APA) Chair, Sally Macfarlane said the workshop aims to build capacity, create networks, and share knowledge to solve the challenges and capitalize on opportunities to transform the sector. It is also a platform that collectively addresses obstacles hindering the growth of planetarium in Africa and strategize in order to surmount the challenges. In the next two days, the workshop will delve into discussions to identify specific challenges, including technological, financial and educational, and seek together innovative solutions, share best practices and forge partnerships and friendships that will fortify the foundation of planetarium, Macfarlane stated. According to the chair, Ethiopia has astonishing potential for astro-tourism and planetarium development, and the dome theater that Ethiopia has constructed recently is the biggest in the continent. The dome theater, which is part of the Science Museum in Addis Ababa, has the capacity to accommodate up to 200 people; and is equipped with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems.  

Addis Ababa, November 11/2023 (ENA): The Generative Artificial Intelligence for Africa Hackathon's finalists project expo opened at Abrehot Library in Addis Ababa today. Africa Silicon Valley (A2SV) Founder and CEO, Emne Varol said the project will end tomorrow with awards to winner projects, out of the 9 finalists. “These projects have gone through a selection period in the last three months; and out of 3,700 students from 47 African countries, we have the 9 finalists here. Of these 3 are Ethiopian projects,” he added. Such competitions will offer university and high school students opportunity to develop digital solutions for the continent's most serious issues. “We are in the age of AI, and we have the internet, computers and cell phones. We don't have an excuse for Africa to miss the AI era. I really hope, with this competition we bring attention to this important technology in the whole continent. I believe these projects are going to be the seeds of innovation that are spreading all over the continent and this starts from Ethiopia,” the founder and CEO said.   One of the finalists, Christian Nebot from Tunisia said, “This is a great opportunity for us to express what we know, and also take part in the competition. AI is a recent technology that must be exploited by Africa, and we have all the potential to do that.” Nebot noted that his team believes that the main problem of focus in Africa should be on education. “Our project is an e-learning platform that enhances education, but for the autistic students. We have seen that Africa has the highest number of autistic students in the world, but has less solutions to handle the problem. We are here to present a problem, a project that will help to enhance learning for autistic students,” he said.   The other finalist, Melek Messoussi came with her team with the project HealthHub, a cutting platform where powerful AI meets the complex realm of brain tumors. “We created this platform to help the medical history progress in neuro-science, progress in this specific field like in brains to help them understand the brain and learn about the brain, detect tumors, visualize the brain, monitor the progress of the tumors, among others.” The Ethiopian female finalist, Abigiya Getachew's project focused on transforming education through Artificial Intellegence.   “Our project focuses on transforming education in Africa through AI-powered solutions, expanding access, personalized learning and fostering academic achievements for students.” Africa Hackathon will award about 30,000 USD to all the winners, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, November 11/2023 (ENA): Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has attended today the graduation of youth who had gone through two months training on the essence and importance of Artificial Intelligence. The high school students were trained by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence.   The premier wrote on X, former Twitter, that it is promising our children have acquired the key knowledge to solve Ethiopia's problems with the help of Artificial Intelligence. “I am impressed by the potential of these youths and fully confident that they can ensure the development of our country,” he added.

Addis Ababa, November 10/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia will host a major international symposium on dark skies and astronomical heritage next week. The IAU386 (International Astronomical Union) Symposium on Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage will take place from November 13-17, 2023 in Addis Ababa. Organized under the theme “Dark Sky and Astronomical Heritage in Boosting Astro-tourism around the World,” the symposium will be the 4th International Astronomical Union (IAU) symposium held in Africa and the 2nd in Ethiopia. The symposium focuses on presenting research findings and sharing experiences to enhance the preservation and utilization of dark skies, discussing mechanisms for boosting astro-tourism worldwide, and exploring strategies for utilizing and investing in untapped dark sky areas around the world. Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) Regional Partnership Lead Executive, Aleme Mammo told ENA that the symposium will bring together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss critical issues like dark sky preservation, astro-tourism development, light pollution mitigation, and protection of astronomical heritage sites. In addition to the main symposium, there will be several side events including an African Planetarium Workshop, capacity building training sessions, and public lectures aimed at boosting interest in astronomy, it was learned. According to Aleme, the symposium will drive policy recommendations and cooperation in these areas critical to the future of astronomy, it was learned. Co-organizer and co-chair of the IAU386 symposium, Mirjana Povic, an astrophysicist who has been working with the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) for the last seven years, noted that Ethiopia has immense potential for dark sky tourism. Co-organizer and co-chair of the IAU386 symposium, Mirjana Povic, an astrophysicist who has been working with the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) for the last seven years, noted that Ethiopia has immense potential for dark sky tourism.   “Ethiopia has huge potential for dark sky tourism, due to its dark skies, remote location, and rich cultural heritage,” she said. The astrophysicist explained that “Ethiopia is well positioned to be a leader in dark sky tourism in Africa, given its two-thirds share of Africa’s high mountain plateaus, near the equator, with clear and dry skies for months.” The country can develop its dark sky tourism industry by investing in dark sky certification programs, developing stargazing infrastructure, promoting astro-tourism, and partnering with local businesses in the space, she added. Ethiopia’s remote geography and with over two-thirds of Africa’s high mountain plateaus and clear, dry conditions for stargazing most of the year, the nation is primed to be a leader in astro-tourism. National parks like Semien Mountains and Bale Mountains offer exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities. Ministry of Tourism Sales Manager, Bizualem Getu said the conference will benefit the country in many ways, including drawing lessons on how to develop dark sky tourism and approaches towards it.   “Apart from the sharing of experience, the symposium lends opportunity to showcase ancient Ethiopian astronomy, which was sophisticated and well-developed,” he stated. More than 200 participants from around the world are expected to attend the symposium.

Addis Ababa, November 9/2023 (ENA) The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) has successfully thwarted close to 98 percent of the 2,556 attempted cyber attacks in the first quarter of this Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), INSA Director-General Solomon Soka disclosed. The director-general told ENA that 97.73 percent of the attempted attacks were foiled. Solomon said the finance sector, health and education institutions, media organizations, entities that administer key infrastructures, security and intelligence institutions and government institutions were the main targets of the cyber-attacks. In this connection, he stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of institutions and individuals to prevent cyber-attacks noting that the capacity-building institutions include the three pillars: human resource, infrastructure, and technology. Stressing the significance of the national cyber security research conference held today to raise awareness on cyber-security, he commended 21 of the researches carried out by the administration and other institutions. Solomon further noted that "Digital Ethiopia 2025 creates favorable condition for the country's digital transformation and conducting supplementary cyber security studies, reducing dependence on other countries technologies and preventing cyber-attacks." In this regard, he added that the conference improves the connection and knowledge sharing between institutions and experts in the sector. INSA has been combating increasing cyber-attacks targeting the country as it is making progress towards achieving its digital strategy, it was learned. Solomon also mentioned the need to undertake consecutive awareness creation measures and pointed out that INSA has been doing so in a number of ways. INSA has been working on crafting and implementing law frameworks, policies, strategies and standards to prevent cyber-attack and ensure cyber security. The Computer Crime Proclamation was approved 10 years ago and the telecom fraud and Information Security Policy prepared two years later, the director-general recalled, revealing that this policy is submitted now to the Council of Ministers as a National Cyber Security Policy for approval.  

Addis Ababa, November 8/2023 (ENA): The Ministry of Labor and Skills has launched today three digital products designed to facilitate labor market, enterprise, and competency assessment services. The Ministry developed Lucy E-commerce, COC system and Bequ Apps in partnership with pertinent government institutions. The digital platforms are developed by domestic resources and significantly contribute to the digitalization of Ethiopia. The web and app based Lucy E-commerce platform is mainly believed to benefit Small and Medium Enterprises business activities. The Bequ App is expected to improve Ethiopian labor market information while the COC Automation system strengthens competency assessment services. The platforms were launched by Minister of Labor and Skills Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Gebremeskel Challa and Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute Director-General Werku Gachena. Minister of Labor and Skills Muferiat Kamil said on the occasion that the applications are instrumental to support ongoing efforts to realizing the strategy of digital Ethiopia.    

Addis Ababa ,November 2/2023(ENA)- Ethiopia is preparing to launch its third earth observation satellite named ETRSS-02 in two years, according to the Space Science and Geospatial Institute. Recall that the previous satellites that have been launched into space have successfully completed their mission in the service period. Space Science and Geospatial Institute Director-General, Abdisa Yilma said that the government has conducted a financial and economic feasibility study regarding the launch of the third satellite. The study would take into consideration the experience from previous satellites and use the data to clearly define other missions, he added. Abdisa stated that the information about the satellite bid has been entered into the government's electronic procurement system, and an international auction will be issued in the coming months. Ethiopia launched the first ETRSS-01 earth observation satellite from China's satellite launch site in December 2019, and its second earth observation satellite in 2020. The two satellites have completed their service period and achieved their mission, the director-general stated. The data obtained from the satellites have been used as inputs for agriculture, tourism, land management, natural resources, disaster risk reduction, and other activities. Moreover, institutions are using the information they obtained for their various works, including research. A multi-satellite data reception and control station, which can receive high-quality data from satellites, was put into operation last Ethiopian year.        

Addis Ababa ,October 30/2023(ENA)- Information Network Security Administration (INSA) has been effectively defending Ethiopia’s cyber-space from the ever growing cyber-attacks. This was disclosed at the launching ceremony of the first National Cyber Security Awareness Survey findings today as part of 4th National Cyber Security Month being underway since last two weeks with various events. On the occasion, Government Communication Service Minister, Legesse Tulu said the country has been able to effectively thwart several cyber-attacks due to the crucial measures being taken by INSA in the area of cyber security. Many countries have prioritized strengthening their cyber security capabilities in order to protect national interests in the international arena, Legesse noted. He emphasized the importance of advancing cyber protection capacities and institutions within our own country as well. Doing so will allow us to maximize the social, political, and diplomatic benefits of cyber space across all sectors, the minister said. Overall, enhancing cyber security is crucial for safeguarding national interests, upholding domestic institutions, and harnessing the full potential of the digital domain. Ethiopia's cyber security forces have successfully defended against over 97 percent of cyber-attacks in the first quarter of current fiscal year, according to INSA.   INSA Director General Solomon Soka revealed that while cyber attacks on Ethiopian citizens, institutions, and infrastructure are rising alongside technology use, the country's 24/7 cyber defense has enabled it to thwart 97.73 percent of attacks. In the first quarter of Ethiopia's current fiscal year, the nation faced 2,556 cyber-attacks, mostly involving malware, denial-of-service, and network scanning. However, thanks to the vigilance of INSA's cyber warriors, the impact of these attacks was thwarted. According to Soka, 80-90 percent of attacks stem from a lack of cyber-security awareness. The agency hopes to reduce attacks through education. Thanks to Ethiopia's tireless cyber warriors, critical systems remain secure. However, continued vigilance and education will be key to reducing future attacks. INSA has foiled 96 percent of cyber-attacks on Ethiopia in the previous Ethiopian fiscal year. By so doing, is saved 22.5 billion Birr. The cyber security month is being held from 12 October to November 10, 2023 under the theme “Resilience in Cyber Capability for National Sovereignty." The aim of the event is to increase public cyber security awareness and prevent attacks on institutions and infrastructure.

Addis Ababa October 28/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia is an incredible country at the moment where other nations have been exploring its innovation ecosystem, Co-Founder of Global Startup Awards Africa Caitlin Nash said. Ethiopia’s diversity is conducive for innovation, with the young population which is incredible asset and untapped resource for positive growth. In an Exclusive interview with ENA, Nash, who acknowledged the potential and the ambition of Ethiopia in the startup ecosystem, noted that the time that we spent working with Ethiopians, various professionals and the youth has been completely inspiring. She also said that Africa will continue to shift into a leading role across the globe with the demographic shift globally. Noting the need to build economies in the African way, she said “We need to build our economies not to imitate but to lead as Africans.” Nash also pointed out that a nation that is collaborative, cooperative and ambitious serves as a success story for innovation. Stressing that small businesses have always been the backbone of every national economy, she said innovation is the ability to provide services that are more cost effective and deliver more quickly. It is absolutely critical that the startup ecosystem in Ethiopia become a leading agenda for the nation, she further elaborated. Ethiopia is an incredible place at the moment in the sense that other nations have been exploring its innovation ecosystem, Nash affirmed. Regarding the necessity of innovation investment in Africa, Caitlin Nash underscored for multinationals, saying now is the time to wake up and participate in initiatives like Ethiopia’s startup economy to build it and to prioritize it as a strategic asset for business. Recall that the Next Ethiopian Startup (NEST) initiative was launched on 24 October, 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Labor and Skills. The objectives of the initiative include building the culture of entrepreneurship, innovation and creating competent startups. NEST is a groundbreaking national startup ecosystem development initiative, it was learned.  

Addis Ababa, October 24/2023 (ENA) Technology capability is the main secret to build a strong and competent country and prosperous society in the current era, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said. Launching Next Ethiopian Startup (NEST) initiative today, Demeke noted that technology is crucial for realizing development ambitions and building a strong nation. For the Deputy PM, technology capability is the foundation and main secret in the current era to build a strong and competent country and prosperous society.   The initiative like NEST is instrumental to enable transferring a competent nation for the next generation by overcoming poverty and backwardness, he noted. NEST is a great opportunity for a country like Ethiopia and its huge youth population to overcome poverty and be competent at the global level, it was indicated. Accordingly, NEST is a groundbreaking national startup ecosystem development initiative which will be a central element for the startup innovation. Minister of Labor and Skills Muferiat Kamil stressed that NEST is the new face of Ethiopia as the country is rich in diversity which is conducive for innovation.   The need for policy and financial support to startups was also stressed during the occasion as they are instrumental to expedite economic development by creating sustainable jobs. Ethiopia's youthful population is an incredible asset and untapped resource for positive growth. The NEST was launched in collaboration with Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Labor and Skills as the objectives of the initiative include building the culture of entrepreneurship, innovation and creating competent startup.  

Addis Ababa, October 24/2023 (ENA) The Information Network Security Agency (INSA) has thwarted over 96 percent of cyber-attacks against key institutions, Cyber Security Audit and Evaluation Directorate Head Tilahun Ejegu said. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, the head said Ethiopia has experienced an exponential increase in cyber-attacks over the last eight years, with a 50 percent spike year-on-year. According to him, the number of cyber-attacks targeting Ethiopian infrastructures has increased from 214 eight years ago to 8,845 last year. The cyber-attacks included distributed denial of service (DDoS), scanning, and malware attacks, he said, adding that the most targeted sectors were financial, security, media organizations, key infrastructures, government ministries and cross sectorial institutions like education and health. According to Tilahun, Malware, denial-of-service, and scan attacks are the most common types of cyber-attacks on Ethiopia. Malware is malicious software that can damage or disable a computer system or network, while denial-of-service attacks are attempts to overwhelm a computer system or network with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. Scan attack is evaluation of vulnerabilities in systems for any future attack. The aim of the attacks, the head said, is to deny service, steal data, and damage public trust in the government. The head revealed that the attacks are carried out by some elements with different political intent, especially by those who wanted to profit from the insecurity and political instability of the country. Geopolitics of water is also among the reasons of cyber-attacks. Last year alone, there were 695 scanning attacks, 1,295 malware attacks, 603 penetration attempts, and 2,254 website attacks. However, INSA has managed to thwart the attacks and saved over 23 billion Birr worth of potential damage, Tilahun said. These attacks could have a significant impact on the country's economy and security if it wasn’t for INSA’s good posture to thwart the attack. The head pointed out that Ethiopia's cyber security posture is among the best in the African continent. "Our cyber incident response team clearly understands from which geographical area the attacks come from, targeting which infrastructure for what purpose," he stated. Yet, the agency has conducted comprehensive vulnerability assessments across 127 key government institutions to identify gaps and weaknesses in the country's cyber defenses. Based on these findings, INSA is working diligently to close any discovered gaps and fortify systems against attack by thoroughly evaluating cyber vulnerabilities at a national scale and addressing the risks. Tilhaun said that the comprehensive assessments and remediation efforts demonstrate INSA's proactive approach to improving the country's cyber security standing.