Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A significant milestone in Ethiopia's digital transformation journey was marked with the official launch of ETEX 2025 at a press conference held at the INSA and EAII Head Office on March 26th. The Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025 (ETEX 2025), slated to take place from May 16-18, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Center, is being jointly presented by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), with QNA serving as the organizing and managing entity.

The announcement underscores Ethiopia's steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for national advancement, aligning with the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. His Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has voiced strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation and creating an enabling environment for digital growth. He has extended an invitation to global innovators and investors to participate in ETEX 2025, encouraging them to explore the vast potential within Ethiopia's burgeoning tech ecosystem.

ETEX 2025 has garnered international support, with the UAE Cyber Security Council joining as a Co-Host Partner. The expo will serve as a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s progress in critical technology sectors, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, smart cities, and tech startups. It is designed to position Ethiopia as a frontrunner in Africa’s digital revolution.

H.E. Dr. Worku Gachena (PHD), Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), highlighted the transformative nature of ETEX 2025, stating that it will spotlight Ethiopia's tech-driven advancements and promote international collaboration. He also emphasized the role of initiatives like the 5 Million Ethiopian Coder Initiative in equipping the nation's youth with essential digital skills, thus fostering capacity building across Ethiopia and the broader African continent.

The event anticipates a substantial turnout, with expectations exceeding 10,000 attendees, including global tech leaders, policymakers, industry pioneers, and emerging startups. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in pivotal discussions on digital opportunities through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and exhibitions featuring both Ethiopian and international tech firms.

H.E. Tigist Hamid, Director General at the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), expressed pride in hosting ETEX 2025, recognizing it as a vital catalyst for innovation and accelerated digital transformation. She affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to building robust national infrastructure, including a national communication platform and other essential digital frameworks. Furthermore, she noted ongoing investments in comprehensive training programs, spanning from teenagers to PhD levels, aimed at equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to propel Ethiopia’s digital future.

A key feature of ETEX 2025 will be its focus on fostering regional cooperation, with invitations extended to neighboring African countries to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative digital development. Ethiopia's strategic infrastructure investments and policy reforms are designed to attract foreign investments and cultivate global partnerships.

Ankit Shukla, Managing Director of QNA, conveyed enthusiasm for organizing and managing ETEX 2025, emphasizing its potential to transform Ethiopia and the wider African tech landscape. He underscored the goal of creating a collaborative atmosphere that nurtures innovation, paves the way for global partnerships, and showcases Ethiopia's pivotal role in driving digital change across the continent.

For additional details on ETEX 2025, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official event website.