Ethiopia showcases digital transformation journey at Addis Ababa Science Museum

The Addis Ababa Science Museum became the epicenter of Ethiopia's technological aspirations as the exhibition and workshop on Ethiopia's digital transformation journey and initiatives were officially opened by His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh.

Organized by the Prime Minister's Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Information Network Security Administration, the Artificial Intelligence Institute, and Ethio Telecom, the event brought together senior government officials, ICT experts, university scholars, and stakeholders from across the country to discuss Ethiopia’s digital transformation roadmap.

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh noted the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure that enables all Ethiopians to participate equally in the burgeoning digital economy. He stressed the importance of implementing robust legal and operational frameworks to support the development of the digital economy while ensuring citizens are equipped with basic digital knowledge and skills to thrive in a tech-driven world.

He stated that Ethiopia, like other nations, is navigating opportunities and challenges in the digital era. He reiterated the government's resolve to seize these opportunities to foster sustainable growth and development.

Dr. Beleta Mola, Minister of Innovation and Technology, highlighted the critical role of innovation in driving Ethiopia’s growth. He underscored the need to expand digital knowledge and skills, enhance digital infrastructure, and develop an ecosystem that promotes national technological capabilities. The minister also remarked on the transformative power of digital technology, stating, "The development of digital technology is changing our world at an unprecedented rate, but it is necessary to adapt and interpret the demands of the times through collaboration, coordination, sharing, and continuous improvement."

Dr. Beleta affirmed the Ministry of Innovation and Technology’s dedication to fostering an inclusive digital society through the Digital Transformation Council, working to promote technology-based innovations and streamline operational frameworks for greater efficiency.

The event served as a platform for discussions on Ethiopia's efforts to build a digital economy while addressing the pressing need for collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, and academic institutions. Participants explored Ethiopia’s progress in digital infrastructure development, innovation capacity, and the integration of technology in key sectors of the economy.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye