Manila:Ethiopia is working towards building its own technological capacity by transitioning from adopting foreign technologies to developing and exporting domestically created solutions, as highlighted by Belete Molla, the Minister of Innovation and Technology.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the STRIDE Ethiopia 2.0 Summit 2026, Belete emphasized the importance of understanding, adapting, and creating technologies, particularly as fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space science continue to evolve globally. He clarified that technological sovereignty involves the ability to choose, adapt, and develop technology according to national needs while collaborating internationally.
Belete also pointed out the role of technology in economic competitiveness, national security, and data sovereignty, urging Ethiopia to maintain strategic technological decision-making capabilities. The government is focusing on strengthening the startup and innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the Startup Proclamation, which includes a National Startup Fund and special incentives.
Ethiopia's digital transformation over the last five years has been significant, moving from analog to digital systems. The Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative aims to expand digital services, improve lives through digital identification and payments, and empower sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and manufacturing.
Research and innovation are seen as critical to addressing national challenges, with a focus on moving from theory to practical applications. Belete stressed the importance of developing capabilities in emerging technologies to ensure they are human-centered and inclusive.
Highlighting the potential of Ethiopia's youth, Belete called for their development as future programmers, researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. He reflected on Ethiopia's 50-year journey in science and technology as a foundation for future growth, with the next five years seen as a period to build on recent progress.
The summit, held from September 29 to October 1, brought together government officials, sector leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss Ethiopia's science and technology journey and future directions.
