Ethiopia strengthens digital transformation efforts with Tony Blair Institute partnership

The Minister for the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, Belete Molla Getahun has led a team of industry officials to engage with former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and his delegation from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).

The minister’s team which included the Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Worku Gachena Negera and the leader of the government Fayda program, Yodahe Zemichael discussed progress and achievements made in the country’s integrated Digital Transformation project.

One of the key topics of conversation was the implementation of the Fayda Digital ID initiative, which has seen remarkable success, with nearly 10 million digital IDs issued and 4 million electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) authentications completed to date.

This initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing inclusion and access to essential services for Ethiopians, facilitating smoother interactions between citizens and the government.

Sir Tony Blair expressed TBI’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital journey, and reiterated the importance of building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure, stressing that enhanced cloud services and connectivity are vital for the country’s continued progress in establishing a sustainable digital economy. Mr. Blair noted that the collaborative efforts between the Ethiopian government and TBI will be pivotal in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technological growth.

According to officials , the initiative aligns with the broader goals of improving governance, enhancing service delivery, and fostering economic growth through technology.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye