Ethiopia building world’s second largest artificial intelligence university, says Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) has announced that Ethiopia is constructing the world’s second largest university, dedicated to artificial intelligence, as part of the country’s broader push to make technology a central pillar of national development.

The Prime Minister made the disclosure while responding to questions from members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives during the presentation of the government’s six-month performance report at the 10th regular session of the fifth year of the sixth parliamentary term.

Addressing lawmakers, Dr. Abiy said technology is one of five key pillars guiding Ethiopia’s development agenda. He noted that Ethiopia was among the earliest countries on the continent to establish an artificial intelligence institute at the institutional level, at a time when no other African country had taken a similar step.

Building on that foundation, the Prime Minister said the government is now finalising the Artificial Intelligence University, which is expected to become operational within the next few months. According to him, the institution will not only be a first of its kind in Africa but will also rank as the second largest artificial intelligence university globally. He added that the university is designed to create a strong ecosystem that will benefit future generations, with precautionary and regulatory measures already put in place.

Dr. Abiy further stated that the government is investing in infrastructure to support start-ups and innovation across the country. He revealed that, through Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts, about three million citizens have so far received training under the Ethio-Coders Initiative.

He emphasized that government interventions in technology, early childhood education, urban development and the Green Footprint programme are all knowledge-based and aimed at long-term national transformation.

The Prime Minister also reiterated that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been financed entirely through domestic resources, stressing that Ethiopia has not taken any foreign aid or loans to fund the project.