Ethiopia Advances in AI Technology for Sector Modernization and Efficiency, Says AI Institute Director-General
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia is making significant strides in strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) technology to modernize and enhance efficiency across various sectors, according to Worku Gachena, Director-General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the director-general revealed that the early implementation of AI technology in Ethiopia has already yielded commendable results, particularly in health, agriculture, and law enforcement. The Ethiopian AI Institute, established in 2020, is at the forefront of these developments.
The country is undertaking major national technological projects in collaboration with higher education institutions and other organizations. Addis Ababa University has been notably active in working on various national projects. Worku highlighted the significant achievement of universities and researchers from diverse fields collaborating on projects in health, agriculture, and other areas. He emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach for future projects that will benefit Ethiopia.
Artificial intelligence is a relatively new field for Ethiopia, but the country is aggressively exploring and utilizing this technology to accelerate its development. “Artificial intelligence technology is being widely employed across all sectors to improve their quality and efficiency,” Worku explained.
Despite the progress, the director-general acknowledged challenges in AI technology, particularly the lack of trained manpower and expertise. To address these issues, Ethiopian universities, including Addis Ababa University, are developing curricula to offer AI education at Masters and PhD levels.
Addis Ababa University President, Samuel Kifle, stressed the importance of intensifying efforts in AI, considering the future global focus on big data, alternative things, and robotics. Samuel emphasized the need for transforming curricula to produce graduates who are adept in understanding the evolving world and the impact of artificial intelligence.
He pointed out the necessity of integrating AI in various disciplines, such as agriculture, to aid in disease detection and solution formulation.
The Ethiopian AI Institute and Addis Ababa University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various projects, including cargo tracking, improving the logistic system, enhancing the nation’s tax collection system, and developing smart cities.
Wondwesen Mulugeta, Vice President of Institutional Development at Addis Ababa University, mentioned the potential of AI in supporting sectors like health, education, transport, and the military. He emphasized the need for substantial investment in AI and the importance of collaboration with higher learning institutions for combined knowledge and product development to achieve greater goals.