PM Abiy Appointed AU Champion for AI and Digital Health

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, in recognition of his leadership in advancing digital transformation and emerging technologies across the continent.

The announcement, made by the African Union, underscores Ethiopia’s growing role in shaping Africa’s technological future, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation-driven development.

 “Your Excellency’s leadership in promoting digital transformation and emerging technologies has helped position artificial intelligence as a key tool for sovereignty, efficiency, and inclusive growth in Africa.”, the appointment letter said.

It further noted that “Your continued advocacy for strategic autonomy and technological empowerment will be instrumental in positioning the continent as a global leader in responsible and equitable AI adoption.”

The recognition comes as Ethiopia continues to register notable progress in digitization and artificial intelligence under the prime minister’s leadership.

Over the past several years, the country has accelerated the expansion of digital infrastructure, rolled out e-government services, and invested in innovation ecosystems aimed at fostering a knowledge-based economy.

A key milestone in Ethiopia’s AI journey was the establishment of Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute in 2020. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the institute has since served as a cornerstone for research and development in emerging technologies.

In addition, the government is finalizing preparations to launch a dedicated AI university that will strengthen research capacity, talent development, and continental collaboration in advanced technologies.

Speaking at the 39th AU Summit earlier this year, Prime Minister Abiy underscored Ethiopia’s ambition to position Africa as a global leader in the age of intelligence.

“In 2020, Ethiopia established Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute,” he said, adding that the planned AI university will be “anchored in the Ethiopian philosophy of Medemer (synergy) through purposeful collaboration.”

“This institution will unite human values with machine intelligence, local context with global relevance, and scientific rigor with applied impact,” the premier elaborated.

 

Ethiopia’s AI drive is also anchored in the broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which integrates key initiatives such as the national digital ID system, Fayda Digital ID, alongside expanding digital payment systems and data exchange platforms to enable efficient and secure service delivery.

The country has also prioritized youth-centered digital capacity building through initiatives like the Coders Program, aimed at equipping young Ethiopians with skills required in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

At the 24th COMESA Summit, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that digitalization remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform agenda.

He noted that leveraging Africa’s vast youth population and aligning national digital strategies with regional integration efforts are critical to unlocking sustainable and inclusive growth.

Since assuming office in 2018, the premier has consistently advocated for technological transformation as a driver of economic resilience, industrialization, and continental competitiveness.

The latest appointment is expected to further amplify Ethiopia’s role in advancing Africa’s digital agenda, particularly in harnessing artificial intelligence and digital health solutions to address development challenges and enhance service delivery across the continent.