Ethiopia Making Strides in AI Aligned with Agenda 2063, Says AUC Deputy Chairperson

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia has been advancing Agenda 2063 Goals with homegrown Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to the African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson, Selma Malika Haddadi.

The Deputy Chairperson noted Ethiopia’s significant strides in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 through the development and implementation of homegrown AI.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the largest international technology expo in East Africa themed “Leveraging AI for Africa’s Prosperity & Collaboration.”

The Deputy Chairperson hailed the Ethiopia International Technology Expo as a “crucial and timely event” that underscores the country’s leadership in advancing sustainable development, emphasizing Ethiopia’s pivotal role in creating an inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystem across the continent.

She noted that AI is emerging as a transformative force in geopolitical and economic landscapes. “It is now not only a tool for national security but also a cornerstone of economic sovereignty and regional security,” she said.

She also pointed out the market capitalization of major technology companies, including Microsoft and Apple, has now reached levels comparable to the GDP of Africa in 2023. 

 

“AI technologies are central to national economies and security, the projection of power and safeguarding of national interest at global stage and the massive expansion of the capability and use of Artificial intelligence reinforces the power and wealth of non-state actors and big tech companies,” the Deputy Chairperson underscored. 

She added, “For instance, in January 2025 upon Apple’s market capitalization was 3.5 trillion USD, Nvidia’s was 3.2 trillion USD  and Microsoft was 3.1 trillion USD each of which is comparable of the total GDP of the 2023 entire Africa continent of 3.1 trillion”.  

The African Union approved the African Union Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2024, stating the importance of building a robust AI ecosystem to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across Africa, she explained.

In this context, she noted that Ethiopia is actively advancing AI to support the African Union’s AI Strategy and the objectives of Agenda 2063.

 

“The development of African AI Policy and an action plan to accelerate the implementation of the continental strategy will address the sectorial ethical and regulatory challenges associated with AI that may affect our continent and will create conditions for emergence of locally developed AI solutions that are adapted to our needs and geographical context as well as our rich cultural and linguistic diversity,” she noted.

Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute Worku Gachena on his part emphasized that AI is not merely a luxury but a critical competitive advantage for the future.

The director general outlined the significant contributions AI has made across various sectors, including innovation, education, healthcare, agriculture, finance, security, and national interests.

 

He stressed that AI is essential for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across Africa, and shared Ethiopia’s vision of becoming a leading hub for AI research and training in Africa by 2030.

“Our vision is to become the premier African center for AI research for development by 2030, generating home grown solution that improve lives across the continent,” the director general emphasized, adding, “Our mission is calculating by our motto AI for all is fostered data driven AI system that address pressing challenges enhance efficiency boost productivity in every sector from health, agriculture to public service and finance”.