The director-general of the Ethiopian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (EAII), Worku Gachena, explained that this ambition is possible through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, human capital development, and alliances on a continental scale.
Gachena, inaugurating the “Pan-African AI Entrepreneurship Residency” program noted that the aspiration aligns with the Ethiopia Digital 2030 strategy, the country’s strategic roadmap for digital transformation, and is supported by actions designed to strengthen research capacity and train the next generation of AI professionals.
In this sense he mentioned the University of AI Medemer (synergy, in amharic), established as an autonomous public institution after the approval of its founding regulation by the Council of Ministers.
It is expected to train AI scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, while expanding the country’s technological and research capabilities.
The director also highlighted the “AI UniPod”, inaugurated on 16 February thanks to a partnership between the EAII, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Addis Ababa.
The facility features advanced laboratories, dedicated robotics spaces, high-performance computing resources, design studios and areas for collaborative learning.
The Pan-African AI Entrepreneurship Residency program brings together young innovators from 12 African countries to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions to address the challenges facing the continent.
The 10-day residency brings together 51 founders of artificial intelligence startups in the “AI UniPod” and features intensive training, mentorship, product development and networking activities, a further step towards strengthening the artificial intelligence ecosystem developed in Africa itself.
In turn, Japan’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori, highlighted his country’s support of the program through its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which contributes approximately $1 million annually to boost artificial intelligence capabilities and digital innovation in Africa.
abo/oda/nmr
