– Prime Minister Abhiy Ahmed (PhD) reaffirms Ethiopia’s ambitions to lead technological change in Africa, highlighting that homemade artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are at the heart of realizing African Union Agenda 2063.
Presenting keynote speeches at the AI for Africa programme (part of the ongoing Ethiopian Institute of Technology Expo 2025 (Etex 2025)), Prime Minister Abiy described the dawn of a new digital age where Africa can shape its own technological destiny through locally developed AI platforms.
“With a clear strategic vision and bold investment, Africa can guide the development of AI in its own terms anchored in ethical frameworks, inclusion and sustainability,” the Prime Minister said he is seeking a unified approach to digital sovereignty across the continent.
He cited Ethiopia’s flagship initiatives, including the Ethiopian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, the Digital ID Program and the “5 Million Coders” campaign, as a powerful example of how the country is transforming policies into tangible outcomes.
“Africa should not be a passive recipient of AI tools developed elsewhere,” Abiy says. “We must become future innovators and owners. We will ensure no one is left behind in this transformation.”
The theme was held: “Utilizing AI for Africa’s prosperity and collaboration” session attracted regional and international stakeholders who have committed to advances in technology-driven development in Africa.
Opening May 16 at the Addis International Convention Center, Etex 2025 attracted over 10,000 attendees from across the continent and beyond. The three-day event, co-organized by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, focuses on five strategic technological domains: cybersecurity, AI, FinTech, smart cities and technology education.
With an iconic opening that attracted worldwide attention, the Expo featured a record-breaking drone show, including the largest ever 1,500 drones in Africa. The Spectacle spoke about Ethiopia’s digital journey and predicted its ambition to become a local innovation hub.
As African countries compete to integrate digital technology into governance, economy and education, Ethiopia’s aggressive stance and investment in AI positions it as the leaders shaping Africa’s collective digital future.
