Ethiopia’s Tech, AI Push Drives Global Competitiveness, Says CBE Capital Investment Bank CEO

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s strategic focus on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is carving out a new path toward global economic competitiveness, according to Zemedeneh Negatu, CEO of CBE Capital Investment Bank.

Speaking in an interview with ENA, Zemedeneh emphasized that technology and AI are driving the modern global economy, making digital skills and automation critical for rapid economic development.

He highlighted the swift shift toward digital ecosystems, particularly among younger demographics, as a primary engine of this ongoing transformation.

He said Ethiopia’s young population, combined with expanding access to technological skills, could help the country emerge as what he described as the “Silicon Valley of Africa.”

Zemedeneh also highlighted Ethiopia’s initiative to train five million coders, saying a large pool of digitally skilled young people could accelerate technological advancement while creating new opportunities for the country’s growing workforce.

He stressed that Ethiopia cannot rely solely on traditional economic approaches to sustain future growth, underscoring the need for greater national ownership and long term commitment to technology and artificial intelligence.

“Such efforts will be critical for building the Ethiopia of tomorrow,” he said.

As artificial intelligence and technological transformation continue to reshape the global economy, Ethiopia’s growing investment and policy focus on the sector are creating opportunities to boost productivity, develop new industries and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy, he added.

Science and technology have become increasingly important to Ethiopia’s economic transformation, with digital initiatives contributing to changes in financial services, public service delivery, communications and other areas of economic activity.

Ethiopia has also sought to strengthen its role in the development and application of artificial intelligence technologies in Africa while promoting wider access to emerging digital technologies across the continent.

In this regard, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been appointed African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, reflecting the growing continental focus on AI and digital transformation.