Google Play has
begun accepting Ethiopian developers on its platform, opening a gateway for
local talent to reach one of the largest digital markets worldwide. This new
access provides Ethiopian developers with the opportunity to publish their apps
and services to a global audience, significantly boosting visibility and
competitiveness.
Ethiopia’s
Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Beleta Mola, who made this known
stated that the government is actively working on multiple initiatives to build
a robust digital economy. He noted that this development is the direct outcome
of ongoing efforts to expand Ethiopia’s digital presence, including successful
negotiations to bring Google to the Ethiopian market.
The Minister
urged tech experts to capitalize on this unique opportunity, encouraging them
to develop applications that address real-world challenges and contribute to
the nation’s digital transformation journey. He also mentioned that Ethiopian
developers now have a direct path to showcase their creations on Google Play,
allowing for wider recognition and the chance to scale their apps on a global
level.
Additionally,
Dr. Beleta encouraged local developers to design applications that reflect
Ethiopia’s unique cultural and community needs while aligning with
international standards, stressing the importance of locally relevant
innovations with global appeal.
The initiative
was made possible through collaborative efforts by the Ministry of Innovation
and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Google. The government
sees this as a pivotal moment for Ethiopian tech talent, enabling developers to
participate actively in the global digital economy and share Ethiopia’s vibrant
technological innovations with the world.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
