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.

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2025 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described the permanent exhibition, that has been launched today at the Science Museum, as a vital national asset would play a key role in shaping Ethiopia's future in the spheres of science and technology. Speaking at its launching ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized the exhibition’s Ethiopia’s potential to inspire the next generation. "The permanent exhibition is a great asset for us to build tomorrow’s Ethiopia," he stated, adding it will help children imagine their future selves and realize their dreams.   Officially inaugurated, the exhibition features five thematic areas including Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and Ethiopia’s Response, Agriculture, Hydropower and Energy, and Aeronautics and Aviation. Prime Minister Abiy recalled the museum's inception, noting that the building was constructed and inaugurated with a temporary exhibition about two years ago. He acknowledged that establishing the permanent exhibition required substantial resources, but stressed its immense value, stating, "The museum is the place where we build tomorrow." He encouraged parents and educators to bring children to the site, highlighting the educational benefits of hands-on exposure to science and technology.   "Children can shape their future identities and dreams by experiencing what is on display here," the Prime Minister said. The Premier also emphasized that the exhibition opens a path for children to engage with technology, enhance their creativity, and develop wisdom and knowledge. He remarked, "A child who grows up seeing this will protect, enrich, and strengthen the country in the future."   Prime Minister Abiy also urged teachers, researchers, and all forward-thinking citizens committed to building the future to visit the exhibition and draw inspiration from it.

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2025 (ENA)—The official launch of the Permanent Exhibition Section at the Science Museum took place in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This exciting milestone features five immersive exhibition areas focused on artificial intelligence, climate change and Ethiopia’s response, agriculture, hydropower, aeronautics, and aviation — showcasing the country’s commitment to harnessing science and technology for development. Also unveiled is the first-of-its-kind Planetarium Dome, according to Office of the Prime Minister (PMO).   Spanning over 1,000 square meters with a diameter of 36 meters, the dome is equipped with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection technology and can accommodate more than 200 visitors at a time. The planetarium delivers breathtaking, high-resolution visuals that bring the universe closer than ever before, PMO added. The Science Museum is now officially open to the public — a place to explore, learn, and be inspired.   In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said anyone who wants to create, see, and experience the future should visit the Science Museum’s permanent exhibition—an inspiring showcase two years in the making.   “If Ethiopians truly want to shape tomorrow, they should bring their children here. I humbly encourage our young people to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn and grow by visiting the exhibition this rainy season,” the Prime Minister stated.

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)— A conference focused on setting security principles and frameworks into systems and on collaboration in cyber security and digital transformation in Ethiopia is underway in Addis Ababa. Opening the two-day conference today, Innovation and Technology State Minister Fozia Amin has emphasized the need for taking a paradigm of "cyber security by design" as a doctrine that sets in security principles and frameworks into systems. Noting the indispensability of securing digital infrastructures for the functioning of all sectors, she added that adopting "cyber security by design" which sets in security principles and frameworks into systems from the nascent stages far into design, implementation, and operation is crucial.   "This touchstone not only resists onslaughts of threats but also enhances trust that is ultimately needed by users, investors, classrooms, and institutions alike." According to her, people and organizations will passionately embrace the digital economy when they feel secure about their digital engagement. However, the realization of a secure digital ecosystem cannot be shouldered by a single ministry, agency, or even nation, she pointed out. Cyber security, by its very nature, requires coordination of divergent stakeholders, both nationally and globally. Therefore, there is a need for collaboration among the governments, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, and international partners to create an environment conducive for collaboration.   Fozia further stated that innovation is necessary to get ahead of the ever-changing cyber threat systems, stressing the cultivation of home-grown talents and research projects for innovative cyber security solutions. “By publishing and disseminating our research, we will not only inform future policy and practice but also enrich the global body of cyber security knowledge.” Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Africa, Emmanuel Manasseh, said connectivity is at the heart of digital transformation as it is the foundation that makes digital transformation possible.   Digital transformation driven by increased connectivity necessitates robust cyber security to protect users against the growing cyber threats, he added. Addressing the conference, Ethiopian Cyber Security Association President Berhanu Beyene stressed the need for enhanced collaboration at the national and global levels, emphasizing the crucial role of comprehensive policy and strategy.   The president noted that “collaboration is one of the crucial elements in securing our digital assets and critical infrastructure. This should be however supported by comprehensive policies, strategies, continuous engagement and commitment to building with the ever-changing cyber security landscape.”

Addis Ababa, June 7, 2025 (ENA)—Research works are being carried out to utilize nuclear technology in Ethiopia for health, agriculture and source of energy, according to Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU). Head of Nuclear Technology Center at the University Derejaw Ayele told ENA that the University has established a center of excellence to enable the country to utilize nuclear technology for sources of energy. The university was recently designated as the African Nuclear Science Center, a great milestone to spearhead research works on nuclear technology, he said. The center will strengthen its research collaborations with countries that have reputed researchers and centers of excellence in nuclear technology knowledge and capabilities, he stated. According to Derejaw, research projects are currently underway in various relevant areas. Elaborating on the growing academic interest in the field, Tewodros Abebaw, a second-year nuclear science engineering student at AASTU, expressed optimism about the future of nuclear technology education in Ethiopia. The program provides opportunity to train skilled professionals in the field of nuclear science who can contribute to the country's development, he added. A tripartite agreement was signed in late April between AASTU, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Tsinghua University of China for the African Nuclear Science and Technology Center under AASTU’s leadership.

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2025 (ENA) -- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang noted today that geographical indication system would enable Ethiopian coffee, honey, pottery, and other similar distinctive high quality heritage products to add value and thrive. A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The GI is a means of supporting jobs, attracting investments, and using developments, Tang added. “That is why it is so exciting to see Ethiopia moving towards the GI law, giving producers and extra layer of protection socially and economically. It is a means of supporting jobs, attracting investments and using developments like AfCFTA to further development goals and share this country rich heritages with the world,” the director-general elaborated. Tang further reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to play its part and continue working with Ethiopia in its journey towards a robust geographical indication system. Opening the two-day International Conference on Geographical Indications, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla said Ethiopia is blessed with world renowned products that deserve both global recognition and legal protection. The minister highlighted the conference as pivotal for sharing experiences to realize Ethiopia’s developmental journey. According to him, strengthening intellectual property rights, specially, the protection of geographical indications is now recognized as fundamental to the country's innovation-led transformation. Geographic indications are instruments of empowerment that offer farmers, producers and communities to protect the unique qualities of their products, ensure market access and preserve the cultural heritages associated with specific regions, he noted. In this regard, the Government of Ethiopia is deeply committed to the cause and the country is developing a dedicated geographical indications law as part of the broader intellectual property reform agenda and WTO accession process. The law will help guarantee traceability and authenticity for consumers, empower value chain actors and rural communities, protect against counter fitting and unfair competition and enhance the market value and export potential of Ethiopian products. On his part, Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Director-General, Woldu Yemessel emphasized the crucial role of geographical indications law in protecting and promoting Ethiopia’s agricultural products. The products of Ethiopia such as coffee, teff, honey, fruits and spices are intrinsically linked to the land and culture, he stated, adding that these unique products face risks of misappropriation, misrepresentation and undervaluation in global market without effective legal protection. In this respect, geographical indications are crucial form of intellectual property protection and a well-established GI framework ensures that Ethiopian farmers and producers benefit from the authenticity and exclusivity of their products, safeguarding cultural identity and economic interests. The director-general concluded by noting that Ethiopia can protect its agricultural treasures and ensure that our farmers and producers reap the benefits of their hard work and cultural experiences by establishing robust geographic indication system.

Addis Ababa, May 31, 2025 (ENA)— An international conference, which aims to tackle the challenges Ethiopia has been facing with respect to ownership and market competition globally, will be held in Addis Ababa from June 3-4, 2025, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) announced today. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang is expected to attend the Intellectual Property Rights Geographical Indication Conference, it was learned. Briefing the media on the upcoming conference, EIPA Director-General Woldu Yemessel said the conference will be attended by participants from different parts of the world, including UK, China, and African countries.   At the conference, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority will present its draft law on Geographical Indication of intellectual property for assessment, he added. A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right that protects the name of a product originating from a specific geographical location, with qualities or reputation due to the origin. It ensures that only products from the designated area, meeting specific criteria, can use the protected name. According to Woldu, GIs are crucial for distinguishing local products, assuring consumers of authenticity and quality, and preventing fraudulent use of the name.   Although Ethiopia is endowed with several agricultural products and handicrafts, the director-general stated that the country has been facing challenges at global market competition and ownership rights.

Addis Ababa, May 28, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, according to Office the Prime Minister (PMO). The institute is a research organization that analyzes data ranging from Earth-based sources to space, PMO said in a social media post. Its scientific research is used by relevant institutions to support predictions and forecasts, it was learned. Geospatial research is divided into various sectors, and today, the data analysis and research activities conducted in each department were reviewed.

  Addis Ababa, May 25, 2025 (ENA) -- Participants of the ID4Africa Annual General Conference have lauded Ethiopia for its rapid infrastructure development and warm hospitality. The conference, held from May 20-23, 2025 in Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union, attracted representatives from over 100 countries. Participants acknowledged Addis Ababa for hosting significant global and regional events like the ID4Africa Annual General Conference. During the four-day event, different organizations displayed their products, showcasing various experiences in digital identity and innovative solutions for digital passports and IDs. The participants who visited Addis Ababa were impressed by the rapid growth and infrastructural development of the city, which has become a hub for significant global and regional events.   Moreover, they lauded the warm hospitality they received from the Ethiopian people. Kodou Suso from Gambia expressed her appreciation in her stays in Addis Ababa which allowed her to experience the city's offerings fully.   She also revealed the convenience of Ethiopian Airlines for traveling across the continent. Coumba Sene from Senegal emphasized the vibrant atmosphere of Addis Ababa, reflecting on his frequent visits and the opportunities for deeper engagement.   The rapid and impressive development in Addis Ababa has made the city a popular and vibrant destination, he emphasized. A German representative Xavier Prost echoed similar sentiments, noting the city's development as a critical asset for Africa's future.   Ethiopian National ID Program Director General, Yodahe Aryaselassie on his part said that the opportunity for participants to explore Ethiopia’s rich historical sites has further enhanced the experiences of the participants about Ethiopia.   The director-general noted that the positive feedback from participants underscores Addis Ababa’s growing reputation as a dynamic and welcoming destination for international events.

Addis Ababa, May 25, 2025 (ENA) -- A Switzerland-based security technology company, SICPA, expressed strong admiration for Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts and the visionary leadership of the government. Mathieu West, Regional Sales Director for SICPA, commended the Ethiopian government for its forward-thinking approach to digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure infrastructure. Recently, Addis Ababa hosted East Africa's largest ever Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025. “What we’ve seen here is truly remarkable,” West stated. He added “We believe the Ethiopian government’s policies are not only ambitious but also vital for national progress.” SICPA founded in 1927, partners with governments globally to secure supply chains, official documents, and digital systems. In Ethiopia, the company is involved in several strategic projects, including technologies that have been officially validated by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) such as judicial records and university certificates. Highlighting recent developments, Mathieu West further stated the company's expanded presence in Ethiopia, collaboratively working with relevant entities. “This partnership underlines our shared commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and technological sovereignty,” he stated. West also emphasized the critical role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in SICPA’s solutions. He further said: “AI allows us to develop advanced algorithms that make businesses and government systems more efficient. We see a strong and focused investment from both public and private sectors here in Ethiopia, and it’s very impressive.” Reflecting on Ethiopia’s broader transformation, West added, “Ethiopia stands out in the region. The mix of public and private investment, government support, and clear policy direction is impressive. We’ve learnt that Ethiopia has moved decisively in this direction over several years, and the momentum is growing.” Noting the shift in global tech trends, he said “A couple of years ago, blockchain dominated the conversation. Today, it’s artificial intelligence. The difference now is that these technologies are more accessible and integrated into real-world solutions.” Finally, West extended his gratitude by thanking the Ethiopian government for organizing ETEX EXPO 2025 which is a testament to the country’s commitment to the innovation. “We look forward to returning to Ethiopia in the near future to continue developing impactful projects together.”

Addis Ababa, May 23, 2025 (ENA) -- African countries have expressed a desire to learn from Ethiopia's National ID Program, a pioneering digital identity implementation built on indigenous knowledge, Yodahe Zemichael, Executive Director of National ID Ethiopia said. The ID4 Africa annual conference, a four-day successfully event which served as a pivotal platform for exchange, concluded on May 23, 2025. According to Yodahe, the conference facilitated valuable discussions and showcases where various countries shared their experiences in digital identity and infrastructure development. He added that Ethiopia's digital identity initiative, particularly its reliance on homegrown knowledge and technology, drew significant interest and commendation from many African nations. Several African countries have formally requested technical and knowledge support from Ethiopia in the realm of digital identification. Ethiopia, in turn, also benefited immensely from the experiences shared by the participating countries, the director-general stated. Founder and Chairman of ID4 Africa, Joseph Atik, commented that the conference provided stakeholders with valuable insights into the successes of Africa's digital transition and the tasks that lie ahead. There is a growing momentum in digital identity construction across Africa, he said, singling out Ethiopia for its better performance. The founder acknowledged the Ethiopian government's efforts in developing various infrastructures, underscoring its commitment to digital transformation. The ID4 Africa annual conference saw the participation of more than two thousand individuals from different countries, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing digital identity across the continent.

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2025 (ENA) --- Participants of the ID4 Africa Annual General Meeting said that Ethiopia has set an example for Africa in ensuring inclusive digital identity and accessibility. The conference, which opened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, showcases experiences of various countries in digital identity building; and companies with better solutions for digital passports and IDs also presented their products for display. CEO of Toppan Security Ethiopia, a joint venture between the Ethiopian Investment Holding and Japan's Toppan, Kalkidan Arega, stated that the company was established to fill the gap in secure printing.   The company is building a huge printing factory in Ethiopia to make strategic secure printing accessible to other countries beyond Ethiopia, she added. When the factory goes fully operational, it will produce over 5.6 million passports annually, enabling it to supply the product to other countries. The CEO noted that passport printing in Ethiopia will not only save foreign currency but also provides secure, nationally valued, and accessible passports for all citizens. Herbert Ngondo, Senior Sales at China's EMPTECH, stated that the company is offering reliable identity and security verification solutions.   He praised Ethiopia's commendable progress in digital transformation and indicated that his company is interested in leveraging this opportunity to expand its services across the country. The German company Veridos FZE's Managing Director and Group Vice President Xavier Prost, said Ethiopia is a leading example in Africa for its work in establishing digital identity.   He added that the company is interested in working in Ethiopia. Chairwoman of In Groupe, Agnès Diallo, said that Ethiopia has been successful in implementing digital identification in a short time.   She added that the best performances recorded in Ethiopia can be an inspiration and learning experience for other countries.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2025 (ENA) -- Executive Chairman of ID4 Africa, Joseph Atick, underscored the pivotal role of digital identity in propelling Africa's digital transformation. He made these remarks during the opening of the ID4 Africa Annual General Meeting in Addis Ababa, a key forum dedicated to advancing digital identity across the continent. "Digital transformation is no longer a choice; it's an urgent necessity," Atick asserted. "The world is moving in that direction faster than ever before, and the cost of inaction is rising exponentially. It's equally clear that meaningful digital transformation cannot happen without digital identity." He emphasized that for nations to fully realize the promise of digitalization; they must accelerate their transformation plans and embrace a "digital-first" mindset highlighting the growing geopolitical tensions fueled by "unilateral, self-serving agendas," particularly from the global north. In light of these challenges, Atick stressed that Africa must draw strength from within, mobilizing its collective resources and defining its future on its own terms. This includes engaging with international partners not as passive recipients but as stakeholders whose priorities and sovereignty are respected. Atick declared the conference a "new chapter" in the journey towards achieving digital identity for all Africans, describing the gathering as a convergence of stakeholders committed to the ID4 Africa movement, which he characterized as a "movement for development."   "Today, we begin a new chapter in our journey in the political capital of Africa," Atick stated, marking "the beginning of the second decade of the search for identity for all." He added, "We gather at the conference not only as participants but as members of a movement. The ID4 movement, the ID4 Africa movement, is a movement for development." African leaders, Atick noted, are increasingly prioritizing digital transformation in the face of evolving global contexts, with ensuring digital identity being paramount to realizing this transition. "The ID4 conference here in Ethiopia is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping Africa’s digital future and ensuring that every individual has a recognized identity and that no one is left behind," Atick emphasized. "Digital transformation is no longer an option." He acknowledged the substantial work already underway across Africa in digital identity, recognizing its vital role in the continent's overall development and improving citizens' lives. "The need is critical," Atick reiterated. "The world is moving in that direction faster than ever, and the cost is increasing exponentially. It is clear that meaningful digital transformation cannot happen without digital identity”. According to him, to realize and unlock the full potential of digitalization, countries must accelerate their transformation plans by moving to a digital-first mindset and prioritizing solutions designed for the digital age from the start. The ID4 Africa conference in Ethiopia serves as a platform for Africans to demonstrate their collective commitment to a digitally empowered future for the continent, he said

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2025 (ENA) -- The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ID4Africa opened today in Addis Ababa in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. ID4Africa is a pan-African movement committed to supporting African nations in building robust and responsible identity ecosystems that drive socio-economic development, digital transformation, and humanitarian efforts. This prestigious event brings together stakeholders from across the globe, reinforcing Ethiopia’s critical role in the continent’s digital transformation journey. In his opening address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s transition from a fragmented ID system to Fayda—a secure, inclusive digital ID initiative launched under the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy. With over 15 million people already enrolled and a target of 90 million, Fayda is connecting all citizens—particularly women, youth, and displaced communities—to essential services. Integrated across key sectors such as finance, health, and education, Fayda is already enabling 9.6 trillion birr in digital transactions. Executive Chairman of ID4Africa, Joseph Atick expressed his gratitude to Ethiopia for its exceptional hospitality in hosting the event.   He praised the country’s leadership and its commitment to advancing digital identity systems on the continent. Yodahe Arayasalassi, Director of the Ethiopian National ID Program, also delivered an address, emphasizing Ethiopia’s success in implementing its digital identity program and the country’s leadership role in shaping the future of identity systems in Africa. The 2025 AGM is being held under the theme “Digital Identity at Scale: Prioritizing Use, Accelerating Impact.”   ID4Africa seeks to strengthen the strategic capacity necessary for the development of responsible and inclusive identity ecosystems across the continent. Founded in 2014, the movement emphasizes the importance of robust identity systems, viewing them as foundational not only for economic growth but also for the digital transformation of governments. The first AGM of ID4Africa was hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2015, marking the beginning of an annual tradition. Since then, the AGM has been held consecutively for 10 years.   The 2025 AGM is particularly significant, as it takes place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following an intense and competitive selection process. Ethiopia’s selection as the host country for the 2025 AGM was the result of a rigorous evaluation process. For the 2025 AGM, six countries presented their candidacies. After careful deliberation, the committee chose Ethiopia to host this influential event, recognizing the nation’s dedication to digital identity advancement. This transformative event brought together over 2,000 participants from more than 100 countries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital identity systems across Africa and the world.

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2025 (POA)—Ethiopia has been delivering on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) potential and paving the way for African innovation, the Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Worku Gachena remarked. Ethiopia hosted the East Africa’s largest ever Ethiopian Technology Expo (ETEX 2025) over weekend at Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the opening of the expo, Worku said Ethiopia's achievements in AI sphere signal broader continental advancement, He further explainerd that today Africa stands at the essential moment where the continent can harness the power of innovation, collaboration and shared determination to place AI at the forefront of African development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the director general said that Ethiopia declared its intention to lead in the emerging field of AI by establishing the Ethiopian Artificial Institute. “From our early days the Prime Minister has championed Ethiopia’s AI development, declared critical resources, convincing and experts to make this vision into reality. Rather than begin with regulation, we developed a unique approach,” he noted. Worku explained that Ethiopia first unlocked innovation by piloting IA solutions across health, agriculture, transport, costumes, judiciary, law enforcement, public service infrastructure development, natural language, finance, skills and talent development. Guided by the policy, the director general pointed out that Ethiopia’s vision is to become the premium African center for AI research and development by 2030. He also stressed the need for generating homegrown scalable solutions that improve lives across the African continent. “Our mission is encapsulated by the motto AI for all to foster data driven AI systems that address pressing challenges, enhance efficiency, boost productivity in every sectors—from health to agriculture and finance,” he underscored. Further elaborating successes stories Ethiopia has been witnessing in the AI sphere, Worku noted that his country has been delivering concrete results. He also acknowledged governments across the African continent are drafting policies, strategies and startups are in various sectors of the economy. “Yet our progress needs not end and should not end in national borders”, he said, adding that Ethiopia stands ready to share its lesson from the AI institute and the private sectors. Indicating the ongoing expo brought together ministers, ambassadors and the African commissioners, the director general stated that this shows Africa understood AI is not a future luxury it is 20st century impressive

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2025 (ENA) -- Foreign technology companies have witnessed the immense potential of Ethiopia for digital transformation and expressed interest to invest in the sector. Cloud computing and big data services provider company, Inspur Group, Regional Marketing Director, Luis Liu told ENA his company has been in Ethiopia for many years providing several services to the country. For instance, providing Ethio telecom with SIM card management system; working with Ministry of Education in providing with student information management system as well as providing data center solution for AU buildings are among the digital solutions the company has been implementing in the country, he added. Liu pointed out that the market of technology in Ethiopia is growing very fast and recently, the government of Ethiopia is also focusing a lot on this sector. Hence, it is a very good opportunity for his company to be in Ethiopia to develop its business thereby helping the country to develop its own technology as well as providing trainings and work opportunities, he stated. “Market of technology in Ethiopia is growing very fast; and recently, the government of Ethiopia is also focusing on this sector. So, it is a very good opportunity for our company to be here to develop our business while helping the country to develop its own technology. We are also contributing to the trainings and providing work opportunities to this country,” he explained. Elaborating as one of the biggest provider of technology solutions, the company will use its rich experiences to become a preferred technology provider in the country, contributing for the development process of Ethiopia. “I think we could use our rich experiences and bring solutions here in Ethiopia to make contribution to education, hospital digitalization services, smart cities and public facilities,” he noted. NUCTECH Company Country Manager, Sophie Zhao, on her part emphasized the potential and achievements of Ethiopia in the digital sector.   The country manager stated that Ethiopia is going through a digital transformation with impressive achievements, expressing her confidence for Ethiopia to be one of the top players in the digital world. “Ethiopia is a land of very promising future. It has achieved encouraging achievements in the digital sector. We have witnessed remarkable achievements that the nation has developed various technologies by itself and it is impressive,” Zhao stated. She pointed out that her company has global experience and would help Ethiopia to fully utilize opportunities and digitalize the country. “We have the solution for smart airport, smart border control, smart logistics, smart harbor, etc. So we are here to putting our smart solutions to Ethiopia and support the country’s ambitious goal of digitalization,” she underscored. Expressing her company’s commitment to collaborate with Ethiopia for future development in modernization and digitization, she revealed her company’s plan to have transit center in Ethiopia to transit equipment and spare parts to the surrounding countries. “…We are going to have transit center in Ethiopia to transit our spare parts and equipment to surrounding countries. I know you have industry zone around Addis Ababa and some other places. So we are going to first set up transit center that is about our future plan,” she added. On his part, Mitsumi Distribution Country Manager, Alpesh Patel said that as Ethiopia is a big country in both land and population wise, it has huge potential and opportunities for digital transformation.   Moreover, there is high demand from the population and institutions such as government offices, banks and students are very much eager to adopt new technology, he added; indicating that his company’s plan to do investment in Ethiopia for future. “Our head office is in Kenya, we are planning and pushing to do the same business here in Ethiopia for future,” he noted.