Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged African nations to develop homegrown artificial intelligence, warning that relying on foreign-built tools could deepen inequality.

Speaking at the Ethiopian Technology Expo, Ahmed said Africa must “become innovators and owners of our future,” stressing the need for AI systems built to address the continent’s specific challenges.

“Africa must not be a passive recipient of AI tools developed elsewhere,” he said. “We must ensure no one is left behind.”

His remarks follow a recent UN report showing that over 120 countries – mostly in the Global South – are being excluded from global AI development, potentially worsening economic divides.

Ahmed called for bold investment and ethical, inclusive frameworks to guide AI innovation across the continent. However, a lack of infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Another UN report found that only 5% of African AI developers have access to adequate computing power.

Still, Ahmed remains optimistic: “AI can drive inclusive prosperity for our continent – if it’s built by us, for us.”