Ethiopia Builds Globally Competitive AI Capabilities, Says IGAD

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has developed artificial intelligence capabilities that position it to compete globally in the rapidly evolving field, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware said.

Ware made the remarks during a visit by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member-state delegates to the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute on the margins of a regional consultation workshop on the IGAD AI Framework and Strategy.

He said artificial intelligence is becoming essential to achieving broad-based economic growth and addressing complex development challenges, noting that Ethiopia’s progress in human capital development, digital infrastructure and practical AI applications demonstrates the country’s growing competitiveness in the sector.

 

Ethiopia’s use of AI across priority areas including agriculture, healthcare, education and finance, he added, offers valuable experience that could serve as a model for other African countries.

Ware said IGAD seeks to build a regional partnership that would enable member states to draw on Ethiopia’s experience and integrate AI into their respective socio-economic development frameworks.

Representatives of IGAD member states expressed readiness to learn from Ethiopia’s experience and deepen cooperation in developing and deploying AI solutions tailored to regional needs.

Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Taye Girma briefed the delegation on the institute’s research, development and innovation activities.

He said Ethiopia is ready to share its knowledge, expertise and experience with IGAD member states and work with them on joint technological initiatives.

 

The exchange, Girma said, could open new opportunities to strengthen digital connectivity across East Africa and enable countries to pool their technological capabilities to address shared challenges.

During the visit, the delegation explored practical applications of AI and emerging technologies in sectors including agriculture, health, education, justice and smart manufacturing, highlighting the potential of AI to transform public services and accelerate economic development.

The initiative comes about four decades after IGAD was established to confront drought, desertification and other regional challenges.

As the region faces increasingly complex economic, environmental and social pressures, the organization is turning to emerging technologies as an additional tool for building resilience and driving sustainable development.

By leveraging Ethiopia’s growing AI ecosystem and the expertise of institutions such as the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, IGAD aims to advance practical, locally relevant AI solutions across the region.

The growing cooperation reflects a broader shift in the Horn of Africa toward using technology, innovation and regional knowledge-sharing as strategic instruments for development, potentially positioning AI as a new pillar of regional integration and economic transformation.