Addis ababa: Tech entrepreneurs have urged Ethiopian youth to continuously develop their digital skills, create practical solutions, and contribute to growth and innovation within the country's digital ecosystem. The call was made during an experience-sharing program on the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's call for Ethiopian youth to join the initiative and expand its reach to 7 million participants by the end of this rainy season.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the program brought together certified graduates, industry leaders, policymakers, and young professionals to share experiences and insights, contributing to the advancement of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda through practical digital skills development. The panel featured Dr. Abiyot Bayou, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology; Bethlehem Dessie, CEO of Gheero; Azimeraw Taddese, initiative alumnus, and Mahlet Seyoum, a tech entrepreneur.
Bethlehem Dessie shared her personal experience, stating her career in technology began 17 years ago at the age of 10 despite having no access to digital technology at the time. She emphasized the growing accessibility of technology today, which has created a much easier pathway for youth to pursue their ambitions. However, she stressed that access to technology alone is not enough and called for immediate action, urging university students to stop waiting for opportunities and start driving change.
Azimeraw Taddese, an alumnus of the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, recounted his journey from learning coding during his university years to becoming a full stack developer. He highlighted the importance of applying learned skills and continuously practicing to achieve real growth. The initiative, he noted, provided him with the foundation needed to pursue his professional goals.
Mahlet Seyoum, another alumna and tech entrepreneur, echoed the sentiment that programming does not require a specialized academic background. She encouraged youth to develop solutions to meaningful problems by leveraging available resources and examining challenges in their surroundings. Mahlet noted the significance of continuously updating skills and enrolling in targeted courses to equip oneself with modern technologies.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abiyot Bayou emphasized the importance of possessing the skills required to effectively use advanced platforms and achieve digital transformation. He highlighted that the objectives of Digital Ethiopia 2030, which include empowering citizens, building inclusive digital ecosystems, expanding digital accessibility, and positioning Ethiopia as a digital hub, ultimately depend on the country's human capacity. Dr. Abiyot called on young professionals to actively develop their skills and pursue excellence in their respective fields.