Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to becoming a leader in Africa’s technological transformation, emphasizing that homegrown artificial intelligence solutions are key to advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Speaking during the AI for Africa program at the ongoing Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025 (ETEX 2025), Abiy highlighted a vision for a digitally sovereign Africa – one that creates and controls its own technological tools and platforms.
“With a clear strategic vision and bold investment, Africa can guide the development of AI on its own terms -anchored in ethical frameworks, inclusion, and sustainability,” he said.
The Prime Minister pointed to flagship Ethiopian initiatives – including the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Digital ID program, and the “5 Million Coders” campaign – as examples of policies translating into tangible outcomes.
“Africa must not be a passive recipient of AI tools developed elsewhere,” Abiy said. “We must become innovators and owners of our future, ensuring that no one is left behind in this transformation.”
Held under the theme “Leveraging AI for Africa’s Prosperity and Collaboration,” the session brought together regional and global stakeholders committed to tech-driven development across the continent.
ETEX 2025 opened May 16 at the Addis International Convention Center and has drawn more than 10,000 participants from across Africa and beyond. Co-organized by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, the three-day expo focuses on five key areas: cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, smart cities, and technology education.
A highlight of the event was a record-breaking drone show featuring 1,500 drones—the largest of its kind ever in Africa. The presentation narrated Ethiopia’s digital journey and its aspirations to become a regional innovation hub.
As African nations increasingly integrate digital tools into governance, education, and the economy, Ethiopia’s proactive investment in AI is positioning it as a front-runner in shaping the continent’s collective digital future.
Abiy called for a unified approach across African nations to build digital resilience and sovereignty, urging collaboration on policy, infrastructure, and education to ensure inclusive progress in the AI era.
