Ethiopia and Qatar reaffirm commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in Innovation and Technology

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

Ethiopia and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of innovation and technology following high-level discussions held in Addis Ababa.

The Minister of Innovation and Technology, H.E. Bete Mola, received H.E. Saad Mubarak Al-Naemi, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Ethiopia, for talks focused on expanding collaboration in digital transformation, technology transfer, startups and innovation-driven development.

During the meeting, the Minister outlined Ethiopia’s recent progress in digital transformation and innovation, noting that the country successfully concluded the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy and has approved and begun implementing the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy. He also highlighted the approval of the Startup Proclamation, which has created an enabling environment for international startups to operate in Ethiopia and collaborate with local innovators, laying a foundation for building a robust digital economy and research ecosystem.

The Minister observed that Qatar has positioned itself as a global hub for technology and innovation by effectively linking its natural resources with modern knowledge and technology. He noted that this experience presents opportunities for cooperation in areas such as training, investment, technology transfer and the exchange of expertise, adding that Ethiopia values Qatar’s interest in deepening collaboration in these sectors.

H.E. Bete Mola also invited Qatar to participate in upcoming international engagements in Ethiopia, including the World Internet Conference, which Addis Ababa is set to host as the first African venue for the global event in September.

Ambassador Saad Mubarak Al-Naemi said that during his short stay in Ethiopia he had observed significant progress in creating an environment conducive to innovation and technology development. He stated that Qatar is keen to elevate its relations with Ethiopia by leveraging emerging technologies and knowledge exchange, and expressed readiness to facilitate connections between stakeholders from both countries to share experiences and explore joint opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to move quickly toward implementing concrete areas of cooperation, including digitalization, startup development, technology transfer, market linkages, training, experience sharing and institutional support, as part of efforts to deepen mutually beneficial relations between Ethiopia and Qatar.