Ethiopia Continues Engagement at the World Economic Forum 2026

Addis Ababa, January 22, 2026 (ENA)—A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide has continued its active participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, now in its fourth day.

On Thursday, Minister Ahmed took part in the roundtable discussion titled “Shaping the Next Decade: The Future of Global Health and Financing,” hosted by philanthropist Bill Gates.

During the session, the Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence to expand access to healthcare services, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Minister Ahmed called for long-term partnerships and sustainable financing mechanisms to strengthen health systems, advance AI adoption, develop talent, and expand digital infrastructure.

He also spoke at the session “Economies Beyond the Shock Cycle,” where he outlined key pillars for building economic resilience.

These included ensuring fiscal sustainability, investing in critical infrastructure such as regional energy grids, accelerating digital transformation to ensure continuity of public services, and sustaining investment in human development and economic diversification.

Emphasizing the transformative role of technology, the Minister underscored how digital transformation and AI can enhance government efficiency, create jobs, bridge the digital divide, and position Ethiopia as a future-ready and globally competitive economy.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Ahmed held bilateral discussions with global leaders, including Bill Gates and the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development.

Ethiopia’s engagement at WEF 2026 to date reflects its determination to harness innovation, digital transformation, and international cooperation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.