Addis ababa: Former British Prime Minister and founder of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Sir Tony Blair, recently visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII). During his visit, Blair highlighted the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in transforming government services and enhancing digital governance.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Blair engaged in discussions with the leadership of the EAII, emphasizing that AI is increasingly redefining how governments can deliver public services. He described AI as a powerful tool for modernizing state institutions and improving service delivery. 'Artificial intelligence is modernizing public service delivery,' Blair stated, as reported by the EAII.
Blair also expressed his institute's commitment to collaborating closely with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute to support Ethiopia's digital transformation journey and the development of AI-driven solutions. The discussions explored potential collaboration areas, including AI innovation, institutional capacity building, digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence in public services.
Worku Gachena, Director General of the EAII, expressed gratitude for the Tony Blair Institute's support of Ethiopia's digitalization goals, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in boosting the country's AI capabilities. 'The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute appreciates the contribution of the Tony Blair Institute in supporting Ethiopia's digitalization journey,' noted Worku.
Both institutions agreed to maintain and expand their collaboration, focusing on enhancing AI innovation, building technical capacity, and facilitating the practical implementation of AI technologies in Ethiopia. This visit coincides with Ethiopia's growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven public services as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.
The establishment of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute aims to build national AI capacity and promote the adoption of emerging technologies across key sectors. The burgeoning partnership between the EAII and the Tony Blair Institute reflects increasing international interest in Ethiopia's digital transformation goals and the potential for artificial intelligence to play a crucial role in creating more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centric public services.