Ministry, Microsoft Partner to Develop Road Map for Digital Transformation of Ethiopia

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.