Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s push toward technological advancement reached a major milestone this week as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the rapid transformation of the nation’s Artificial Intelligence Institute (AI) following its relocation to the former Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) compound in central Addis Ababa.
According to the Prime Minister’s official post on X, the Institute’s new home has undergone an “extraordinary infrastructural transformation” in under a year, evolving into a modern, ergonomic, and highly efficient workspace designed to accelerate innovation.
The AI, established just five years ago, has already achieved “remarkable heights,” the Prime Minister noted—showcasing Ethiopia’s determination to keep pace with the global technological race at a moment when artificial intelligence is shaping nearly every sector of human life.
Expanding Role Across Key Sectors
The Institute is currently leading national AI interventions across:
• Health, including early diagnostics and medical data systems,
• Agriculture, with AI-powered extension tools and productivity analytics,
• Service industries, supporting automation and digital transformation.
Beyond applications, the AII is also developing Ethiopia’s capabilities in cloud computing, large-scale data centers, data mining, robotics, and immersive technologies, placing the country on a competitive technological trajectory.
A Boost for Innovation: New AI Startup Center
A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s announcement was the launch of a new AI Startup Center, designed to strengthen the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The center allows aspiring innovators to enter with nothing more than an idea and gain comprehensive support—ranging from prototyping and incubation to direct connections with private-sector investors.
Already, 200 young innovators have benefited from this platform, a development the Prime Minister described as a testament to Ethiopia’s emerging AI-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
A Vision for National Competitiveness
The relocation and expansion of the AII mark a significant step in Ethiopia’s ambition to position itself as a regional technology hub. The Prime Minister emphasized that ensuring active national participation in global AI development is essential for securing the country’s competitiven
