Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health. The announcement recognises his leadership and Ethiopia’s growing role in advancing artificial intelligence and innovation across the continent.
The appointment letter noted: “Your Excellency’s leadership in promoting digital transformation and emerging technologies has helped position artificial intelligence as a key tool for sovereignty, efficiency, and inclusive growth in Africa.
Your continued advocacy for strategic autonomy and technological empowerment will be instrumental in positioning the continent as a global leader in responsible and equitable AI adoption.”
Ethiopia’s progress in digitisation and artificial intelligence launched and accelerated significantly under the Prime Minister’s active engagement over the last few years. Initiatives such as the expansion of digital infrastructure, the rollout of e-government services, investments in innovation ecosystems, and the establishment of an AI institute and development of a national AI strategy have laid a strong foundation for transformation.
In addition, plans to establish a dedicated AI university are expected to strengthen research, talent development, and continental collaboration in emerging technologies.
