AI University Positions Ethiopia as Continental Leader, Says AU Official

Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's newly announced Artificial Intelligence University has the potential to establish the country as a continental leader in technology-driven education and innovation, according to Sophia Ashipala, Head of the African Union’s Education Division.

 Speaking exclusively to ENA, Ashipala described the university as a landmark initiative that could inspire similar investments across Africa.

"I think it's a great move. It is a great move, really, for Ethiopia to establish this AI University, the first of its kind," she said, describing the institution as a "torchbearer" and "frontrunner" that reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of education and research.

Ashipala linked Ethiopia's initiative to the African Union's broader education agenda, emphasizing that strengthening foundational learning remains essential for preparing future generations to benefit from technological advances.

"Foundational learning is important," she said, referring to findings by UNESCO and the World Bank. "You recall that in 2024, when we had the African Union Year of Education, we were focusing on foundational learning because statistics showed that nine out of ten children were unable to read and write."

She noted that the African Union launched several initiatives during the Year of Education to combat learning poverty across the continent. "When the foundation is strong, you empower their knowledge," she explained. "When they grow, they will be able to reason and understand other content."

Ashipala also stressed the importance of strengthening African universities and promoting indigenous knowledge through research.

"We have to empower our institutions of higher learning," she stated. "When we empower them to direct which knowledge we want to advance, when the people are clear and the guidelines are in place when it comes to indigenous knowledge, I think there is no limitation. We have the power, the infrastructure, and the technical skills. We have the researchers in Africa, and with the proper guidelines, indigenous knowledge will always be there."

Concluding her remarks, she encouraged other African nations to study Ethiopia's experience and develop similar initiatives tailored to their own national priorities, noting that such investments would accelerate innovation, research, and human capital development across the continent.