Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia is rapidly positioning itself as a hub for startups and technological innovation, driven by coordinated efforts from both the public and private sectors, Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Mola said. Speaking at the Innovation Africa 2025 conference being underway in Addis Ababa the minister emphasized the growing innovation economy in Ethiopia. “Ethiopia is quickly emerging as a startup and technological innovation center, fueled by coordinated efforts from both the public and private sectors,” he noted. Belete highlighted his ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship by fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia and formulating policies that support startup growth.   He further stated that the future employment prospects of young Africans depend on the continent's ability to develop the necessary skills to compete in an increasingly globalized and competitive market. “In addition, we must recognize the critical role of access and inclusive policies in building a vibrant digital and knowledge-based economy,” the minister added. Ensuring inclusivity, the minister noted, is key to unlocking the full potential of diverse populations and nurturing an innovation-driven ecosystem. He stressed that unlocking Africa’s student potential through STEM education and access to higher learning institutions is fundamental. “To that end, we must invest in learning systems that not only drive academic achievement but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation,” Belete stated.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) -- Innovation Africa 2025 of African ministerial summit for education, ICT and Skills kicked off today in Addis Ababa in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh and other officials. A three-day summit, themed "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century" has convened delegations including ministers and professionals from across the continent. The summit is a pivotal gathering dedicated to transforming education across the African continent through reform, capacity building and strategic integration of technology. It is expected to reflect a shared dedication to collaboration, innovation and the drive to create sustainable solution that could empower educators, uplift communities and unlock the potential of every learner. Moreover, the summit is anticipated to build stronger partnerships, share informative ideas and produce tangible outcomes that will shape the future of education in Africa where African child has access to quality education powered by innovation. The summit is organized by the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with African Brains.

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2025 (ENA) – As an Agenda 2063 flagship project, the African Space Agency (AfSA) will drive continental priorities including climate adaptation, digital transformation, and sustainable development, African Union (AU) said on social media today. Africa marked a historic milestone last week with the inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt—a strategic initiative years in the making since the African Union's adoption of its space policy framework in 2016. AfSA is a landmark achievement and key deliverable of Agenda 2063's Outer Space Strategy that underscores Africa’s unified commitment to leveraging space technologies for socio-economic growth, scientific innovation, and enhanced international collaboration, AU pointed out.   Hosted by Egypt, with its strong space heritage and infrastructure, the agency is poised to accelerate pan-African cooperation in space science and technology. The establishment of AfSA’s permanent base represents a transformative step in Africa's journey toward sovereign space capabilities, enabling critical applications in Earth observation for food security, climate resilience, disaster management, and satellite communications, it stated.   As AfSA begins operations, it opens new frontiers for innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development—proving that Africa's space ambitions, as envisioned in Agenda 2063, are no longer aspirational but achievable. Agenda 2063 serves as AU’s strategic vision for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse, presenting a comprehensive 50-year plan aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development. This framework directs the continent's growth from 2013 through 2063.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2025 (ENA) ---The African Space Agency (AfSA), the space agency of the African Union, officially opened its headquarters in Cairo on Sunday. Established in 2016 by the AU, the agency aims to coordinate and advance Africa's space initiatives. AfSA is expected to serve as primary point of contact for Africa’s cooperation with Europe and other international partners. One of its key objectives, as outlined in the African Space Agency Act, is to enhance space missions across Africa, ensuring optimal access to space-derived data, information, services, and products. Once fully integrated into national, regional, and continental programmes, AfSA will be crucial in eliminating duplication and inefficiencies within the African space ecosystem. As the official body overseeing and coordinating these efforts, it will also be responsible for effectively implementing the African Space Policy and Strategy and achieving the continent’s space-related goals. Egypt was selected as the host nation of the AfSA in 2019 by the African Union.

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2025 (ENA) -- The African Welding Federation Annual Assembly and International Conference has served as a critical platform for sharing knowledge and experiences among African welding experts and professionals, Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute Director General, Biruk Kedir said. The three-day conference held in Addis Ababa under the theme, "Empowering Africa: Strengthening Welding Capacity for Regional Integration and Global Competitiveness," concluded today. Welding Federation of Africa President, Hamed Abdelaleem, FDRE Technical and Vocational Training Institute Director General, Biruk Kedir, among other officials of the federation attended the closing ceremony of the conference. The conference emphasized Africa’s strong research and technical capacity in welding and advanced equipment and skill development, it was learnt. Researches were presented at the conference, underscoring the importance of data driven decision making, integrating experimental and statistical analysis, it was learnt. Moreover, the conference fostered dialogue on advancing Africa's welding industry innovation, education and policy alignment, calling for greater collaboration, standardization and investment in welding sector across the continent. Finally, outstanding welders who competed in welding competition were awarded from machine to certificate.

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia possesses substantial potential to offer the world in terms of technological innovation according to exhibitors at GITEX Africa. The GITEX Africa 2025, is taking place from April 14 to 16 in Marrakech, Morocco with the aim to explore the latest tech innovations, groundbreaking startups, and industry insights from Africa’s largest technology and startup event. Ethiopian participants have showcased their innovative endeavors at GITEX Africa, one of the largest and most influential tech and start-up events in the continent. Approached by ENA, the Ethiopian exhibitors, at 3rd GITEX Africa, praised the event as an excellent platform to demonstrate their country’s remarkable achievements in the realm of technology to the global stage. Recently, Ethiopia exhibits significant potential for technological innovation across various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, and digital transformation, driven by government initiatives and a growing tech ecosystem. Particularly, the East African nation is actively reinforcing digital inclusion, leveraging technology to create a favorable ecosystem for local innovation and entrepreneurship. One of the exhibitors, Shimelis Geberemedhin, the founder and CEO of eTech Technological Company pointed out that Ethiopia used the exhibition as a means to portray its critical contributions to the advancement of global technology.   Reflecting on the event's impact, Shimelis remarked, "This exhibition serves as an opportunity for self-assessment. We have come to understand that in certain aspects, we are ahead of global standards, while in others, we lag behind. We are working to address these gaps by forging partnerships with advanced technological enterprises." Nael Hailemariam is another energetic young innovator specializing in Fintech and the founder and CEO of Chapa Financial Share Company, a pioneering platform that consolidates financial management for individuals and organizations through a centralized data system. Nael further elaborated that his company enhances business efficiency by allowing enterprises to focus on their core activities, thereby minimizing the time and resources spent on financial administration.   Furthermore, the platform plays a vital role in enabling Ethiopians to receive payments from across the globe, thereby strengthening Ethiopia's competitiveness and expanding its business opportunities. Another standout Ethiopian company at the exhibition was MMCY Company, a large organization with a workforce of 650 employees in Ethiopia and offices in Dubai and New York. Dereje Kebriye, the business development manager at the Company, emphasized the immense value of participating in the GITEX Africa event, noting that it had attracted numerous international clients. "Many visitors were astonished by the caliber of our services," Dereje remarked proudly.   All Ethiopian exhibitors who spoke to the Ethiopian News Agency shared the sentiment that Ethiopia possesses substantial potential to offer the world in terms of technological innovation. Finally, they called upon media outlets and relevant stakeholders to amplify Ethiopia's technological advancements globally, imperative to significantly enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the technology sector.

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2025 (ENA)— A Pan-African platform focused on health tech and innovation, GITEX Future Health Africa, has been launched early today in Marrakech, Morocco. Morocco, the northern African nation is fast-tracking the digital transformation of its healthcare system through two major agreements announced during GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, a premier event for digital innovation across the continent. During the third annual edition of GITEX Africa, the country’s Ministry of Health and KAOUN International announced the launch of GITEX Future Health Africa. This event is set to become the premier healthcare technology platform aimed at accelerating the digitization of the region's healthcare industry, ENA reported from Marrakech. Most importantly, GITEX Future Health Africa is considered as a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing healthcare technology and innovation across the Africa continent. Scheduled to debut in Casablanca from April 21 to April 23, 2026, the event will spotlight cutting-edge solutions, including AI-driven diagnostics, digital health infrastructure, data-centric systems, and transformative public-private partnerships. Speaking at the launching program, Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tehraoui emphasized that GITEX Future Health Africa/Morocco represents the nation's steadfast commitment to health as a fundamental human right, firmly embedded in Morocco's national vision for healthcare system reform.   He further elaborated that as digital innovation, data intelligence, and health technology redefine healthcare delivery across Africa, this platform solidifies Morocco's role as a regional hub for collaboration, expertise, and investment. The initiative underscores Morocco’s opportunity to foster resilient, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare systems through strategic partnerships and innovative practices, he stated. The Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health reaffirms its commitment to actively participate in strengthening robust healthcare systems in Morocco and Africa. Moreover, the foundation highlighted its contribution by leveraging medical and academic expertise to promote the growth of digital health and medical technologies, ultimately shaping the future of Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.   On her part, CEO of KAOUN International and global organizer of GITEX events, Trixie LohMirmand underscored the urgent need for modernization and digitization of healthcare services worldwide, with Africa being no exception. She pointed out the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital solutions in optimizing data-driven decision-making processes and addressing health inequities. GITEX Future Health Africa/Morocco, the CEO explained, will showcase these innovations while aiming to improve accessibility, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.

Addis Ababa, April 14, 2025 (ENA)—GITEX Africa, the largest and most influential tech and start-up event, has demonstrated the rising prominence of the digital economy in the continent, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni revealed. GITEX Africa Morocco, a premier technology and startup showcase, has officially opened its doors to leading figures from the local, regional, and global digital landscapes, as ENA reported from the spot. GITEX Africa is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organized by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organizer of GITEX events globally. During the inaugural ceremony, significant insights were shared by prominent figures. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, emphasized that GITEX AFRICA underscores the rising prominence of the digital economy, which now accounts for 15% of the global GDP—an impressive 6.5 trillion USD.   Recognizing the challenges posed by the digital revolution, the minister stated that Morocco is steadfastly committed to pioneering a future where digitalization and AI serve as catalysts for progress, benefitting society at large. On his part, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, Mohammed Drissi Melyani highlighted the event’s transformation into one of the most distinguished digital and technological gatherings both in Africa and on the international stage. He further noted that GITEX Africa is no longer merely a platform for showcasing innovations but a strategic arena for fostering digital inclusion across African nations, forging partnerships with global stakeholders, and accelerating sustainable digital transformation.   With AI leading global innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as a transformative epicenter across the continent, CEO of KAOUN International Trixie LohMirmand underscored. He added GITEX AFRICA Morocco is not just a platform for cutting-edge technology but a dynamic catalyst for collaboration, investment, and growth—connecting Africa's brightest innovators with global markets and empowering the next generation to lead the AI-driven economy. The 2025 edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco is set to cultivate groundbreaking partnerships, explore untapped industries, and further amplify its influence on Africa’s digital ecosystem. This year’s event boasts a broader agenda and includes new participants from diverse nations across Africa, Europe, and Asia, such as Belgium, Gabon, Niger, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.   In addition to its primary focus on AI, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, the event is expanding its scope to encompass critical sectors such as energy transition, mobility, education technology (edutech), sports technology, and agricultural technology (agritech).

Addis Ababa, April 14, 2025 (POA) Emphasizing that national wealth is intrinsically linked to the skills of its people, Ethiopia's Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa, today underscored the urgent need to bridge the skills gap across Africa. Speaking at the opening of the 3rd African Welding Federation Annual Assembly and International Conference in Addis Ababa, Minister Habtamu called for a concerted effort to equip the continent's youth with practical, hands-on skills to fuel industrialization and economic growth.   He emphasized the importance of technology, knowledge, and experience in addressing Africa’s manufacturing sector challenges. Habtamu stressed that integrating knowledge, experience, and technology is essential to achieving shared goals. He also highlighted the critical role of vocational education for youth, urging young welders to develop hands-on skills. "Relying solely on external markets will not lead us to our desired future. Therefore, it is vital to learn from one another and share experiences," he said. He noted that Ethiopia is playing a leading role in welding training, adding that the water and energy sector particularly requires skilled welders in various areas.   Additionally, he stated that the conference presents a unique opportunity to enhance regional and international collaboration in the welding sector. On his part, Welding Federation Africa President, Hamed Abdel-Aleem said the conference aimed to create a stronger and united Africa that can compete globally through innovation, skill development and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of welding for industrialization, infrastructure projects and manufacturing industries like automotive, construction and mining. Demand for skilled welders continues to outpace supply across Africa, according to him.   The third African Welding Federation Annual Assembly and international conference therefore is meant to address the demand by fostering regional collaboration, pooling resources, sharing expertise and creating standardized certifications. Thus, the Welding Federation of Africa has been working to empower member states through skill development programs, policy support and industry-care networks, he stated; noting that progress has been made in various locations. State Minister of Labor and Skills, Teshale Berecha said that the assembly is critical for sharing knowledge and experiences among African welding experts and professionals.   He added that Africa has immense opportunities to enhance welding sectors to promote industrial development in the continent, urging for strong partnership and aligning efforts across Africa. In this respect, Ethiopia is open and committed to technical collaboration with fellow African nations, he emphasized. This crucial gathering, kicked off today in Addis Ababa at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, would serve as a platform for exploration of cutting-edge advancements in materials manufacturing technologies. The three-day conference, being held under the theme, "Empowering Africa: Strengthening Welding Capacity for Regional Integration and Global Competitiveness," is highly anticipated to center on how these advancements can improve practical applications across the continent.

Addis Ababa, April 14, 2025 (ENA)—The third edition of GITEX Africa, anticipated to serve as a display of Africa’s future in innovation, AI and digital leadership, has officially commenced today in Marrakech, Morocco. The much-awaited event is planned to take place over three consecutive days, from April 14 to April 17, 2025. This event stands as the continent's largest and most impactful gathering for technology and startups, showcasing innovation and fostering collaboration on an unprecedented scale, according to ENA reporter. This remarkable gathering will unite an impressive array of participants, featuring 1,450 exhibitors, 740 startups, and over 45,000 visitors from more than 130 nations.   GITEX Africa features top industry speakers, state-of-the- art technologies, fintech, e-commerce, cybersecurity and strategic discussions on AI and more. This year's edition will place a strong emphasis on strategic sectors that are pivotal to Africa's development and digital transformation. These include Education Technology (EdTech), Agricultural Technology (AgriTech), Healthcare Technology (HealthTech), and Sports Technology (SportsTech). By spotlighting these areas, the event underscores Africa's growing importance as a hub for innovation and technological advancement on the world stage. GITEX Africa aspires to establish the continent as a global digital epicenter. The event serves as an unparalleled platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and envisioning the digital future.   With its vast scale and dynamic approach, the exhibition seeks to catalyze the creation of a connected and forward-thinking digital Africa, paving the way for transformative opportunities across diverse industries. Most importantly, international tech organizations will also make a debut at the third edition of GITE, looking to seize on growth opportunities during the three days, forging new partnerships and showcasing their latest tech innovations. These include tech giants Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile and Salesforce, it was pointed out.

Addis Ababa, April 13, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia has made notable strides in digital transformation and workforce development over the past nine months, according to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology, emphasized the implementation of a comprehensive macroeconomic policy designed to enhance digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and create employment opportunities. Speaking during a third-quarter performance review, the minister clarified that the ministry’s key objectives that includes advancing digital operations, expanding infrastructure, and building a modern, innovation-driven ecosystem. "Strategic partnerships with private companies, government entities, and international organizations have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward," he noted. According to the minister, one major milestone has been the widespread adoption of digital payment platforms such as CBEBirr and TeleBirr, which have processed nearly 800 billion birr in transactions and this shift has helped reduce currency printing costs and strengthen Ethiopia’s digital economy. Elaborating about the communication facilities, the minister emphasized that the two Telecom providers EthioTelecom and Safaricom have played a critical role in expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity, contributing to increased mobile usage and internet penetration nationwide.   He also stressed that the rollout of the Digital ID system under the Fayda Project has registered over 14 million citizens, marking a significant advancement in digital governance. In connection to the workforce development, the minister reported that 688,000 Ethiopians have received training through the "5 Million Ethio-Coders" initiative since its launch in July last year and of these, 270,000 has already received international certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the global tech industry. These efforts, according to the minister, have also aimed to support entrepreneurship, startup growth, and the creation of new resources. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to formulating and executing policies that will contribute in ensuring the technological ecosystem that could accelerate the country’s transition into a robust and inclusive digital economy.

Addis Ababa, April 11, 2025 (ENA) - The World Bank's (WB) Global Lead for Data-Driven Digital Agriculture and Innovation has commended Ethiopia's agricultural progress driven by digital data to enhance productivity. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Parmesh Shah, World Bank's Global Lead for Data-Driven Digital Agriculture and Innovation said that Ethiopia has made significant progress in leveraging agricultural digital data to enhance productivity. According to Shah, substantial improvements in African agricultural productivity, products, and services can be achieved through investments in data regarding farmers, farms, soils, climate, and weather, coupled with the development of a data platform. He further emphasized the critical requirement for significant investment in data systems and data platforms. Shah also commended that “Ethiopia has developed a five-year digital agriculture roadmap and is providing some advisory services to farmers based on data. It has also digitized all their soil data, and a digitized soil map is available.” He also acknowledged Ethiopia's focus on empowering youth, the private sector, and startups in investing in data and climate services. Under the World Bank-funded Food Security Resilient Program implemented since 2022, the agriculture sector has registered encouraging early results. “Ethiopia has shown early-stage lessons as it has introduced some climate-resilient varieties with farmers’ seeds, which are being adopted by farmers,” Shah explained. “A lot of farmers are receiving advice based on climate and weather data and are implementing solutions based on this advice, leading to a 20% increase in productivity in the early stages,” he said. While acknowledging that these are preliminary findings, Shah expressed optimism for the future. He also noted the potential for enhanced market access. “Because Ethiopia is now emerging as a big agribusiness destination, with aspirations to do so, it will also give farmers better access to markets, both in Africa and outside, for selling their products. If all the solutions and all the investments which are designed are implemented, we can expect to see a 30 to 40 percent increases in productivity". He also elaborated the transformative potential of agricultural data investments in other African countries. “Seven countries have invested in digital farmer registries and registered all their farmers on the digital platform,” Shah added. He emphasized that these countries are making strides in providing weather services, quality data and farmer advisories, and digitizing agri-business data. According to him, Ethiopia and Kenya are at the forefront in East African countries. He emphasized Kenya's progress, noting the registration of 6.5 million farmers and the delivery of weather services to 4 million and climate-smart advisories to 3 million. Other African nations are also making strides in this area including Malawi, which has digitized all its data, and Ghana, which has developed digital advisory business platforms, according to Shah.

Addis Ababa, April 11, 2025 (ENA) - The Ministry of Transport and Logistics stated its ongoing efforts to modernize transport and logistics service delivery through digital technology expansion, with plans for further enhancement. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics in collaboration with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute has developed the Integrated Freight Transport Management System (IFTMS). During the launch of the IFTMS, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime noted the ongoing reforms to accelerate and enhance service delivery within the sector.   The minister emphasized the newly implemented system will be instrumental in modernizing and streamlining freight transport services and mentioned the upcoming digital technology implementations as part of the sector's broader digitization. Having confirmed the system's on-time completion, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute Worku Gachena on his part noted that the institute will continue developing innovative technologies to improve service delivery and address existing challenges. He expressed the institute’s commitment in developing artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in Africa.

Addis Ababa, April 10, 2025 (ENA)—Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation and Founder of Breakthrough Energy, has expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to lead in artificial intelligence (AI), calling it a powerful tool to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges—from maternal health to agriculture. Speaking virtually at the Global AI Summit on Africa, held in Kigali from April 3–4, 2025, Gates emphasized that AI is more than a technological advancement—it is a life-saving opportunity. “Pregnancies are high risk,” he said. “And by identifying those, you could save millions of other lives across Africa. Because in rural areas, where we’ve talked about nearby, you’ll know who needs to go and be at a center to get better care.” Gates highlighted the growing role of AI in mental health, agriculture, education, and governance, according to TOP AFRICAN NEWS. He noted that AI tools are already making a difference in helping farmers understand weather patterns—particularly important as climate change continues to disrupt traditional seasons—and are starting to support students in the classroom. AI is helping students in the classroom, Gates said. According to him: “And it’s fantastic to keep the kind of paperwork and complex policies that governments have and connect the citizens so they understand how to work efficiently with the government.”   The Gates Foundation, he added, is prioritizing AI innovations with the potential to “save their food lives”—a phrase emphasizing the vital intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and technology. He hinted at upcoming initiatives and partnerships set to be unveiled over the summer that will deepen the Foundation’s commitment to AI for development. “Today, the world faces big challenges,” Gates acknowledged. “And it’s a critical moment because some countries are, at least for now, reducing their commitments to global health and development.” However, he remained hopeful, stressing that innovation—particularly AI—is accelerating progress across sectors. “The good news is that innovation is giving us an opportunity, whether it’s in health or agriculture… And that’s also being accelerated through artificial intelligence.” In a message of empowerment, Gates urged Africa not just to adopt AI solutions but to become a pioneer in the space. “Africa’s not just poised to benefit from AI,” he said, adding that “It has a chance in many areas to absolutely lead the way.”

Addis Ababa, April 8, 2025 (ENA) --- Russian specialists are preparing detailed information on the innovative technology of oil and oil spills collection from water surface and successful practices of plastic collection on Lake Baikal, TV BRICS reported. This was announced by the Director of the Department of International Cooperation in the field of natural resources and environmental protection of the Ministry of Natural Resources Ivan Kushch, reports the press service of the Ministry. Brazil hosted the 11th meeting of heads of environment ministries of BRICS countries chaired by the Head of the Brazilian Ministry Marina Silva. "Upon completion of this work, we will be ready to share the results with you and initiate a discussion on the exchange of best practices and best practices of BRICS countries," Kushch said at a working group meeting ahead of the ministerial meeting. Russia proposed to continue discussing technologies at the BRICS Platform for Environmentally Sound Technologies (BEST) and within the framework of the BRICS Clean Rivers Initiative. The main topic of the meeting was the priority environmental problems: combating plastic waste, desertification, land degradation, preservation of ecosystems and climate change. During the discussion, the ministers supported Russian initiatives on cooperation in the field of environmental protection, including in the forestry sector and the climate track. In addition, the heads of the agencies agreed on plans for 2025, which include sharing experience and implementing best practices among BRICS countries.

Addis Ababa, April 8, 2025 (ENA) --- The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the World Bank on Monday launched a project aimed at empowering about 180 million people in eastern and southern Africa with access to the internet and provide digitally enabled services to 100 million people over the next eight years. The program, worth 2.5 billion USD, was expected to benefit various groups, including women, refugees, host communities, private sector firms and public sector entities, according to a statement released following the launch of the program in Zambia. It will employ a multiphase programmatic approach to pool financing across multiple recipients to promote universal digital access, productive use and digital market integration as part of efforts to tackle challenges faced in the sub-region, the statement said. The program will create opportunities for businesses to expand and innovate across the region by reducing market fragmentation and fostering a more integrated digital landscape, said Isabel Neto, the digital development practice manager for eastern and southern Africa at the World Bank. COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe said that the need to find innovative ways to catalyze private sector investments, enhance the policy and regulatory frameworks, project support preparations, gender dimensions and climate change are all part of the program's agenda. According to the statement, the first phase of the program includes a 10 million-USD grant for the COMESA secretariat and 780 million U.S. dollars in financing for operations in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi. The program was expected to bring together over 15 countries, regional economic communities, and development partners to achieve a common goal of achieving digital access and leverage it for productive use. According to the statement, only 64 percent of the population in eastern and southern Africa was covered by high-speed internet and less than half or about 24 percent were using the internet as of 2023.

Addis A baba, April 8, 2025 (ENA)—Africa stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in global health, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, according a recent report released from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), African institutions and research councils. The report is a first of its kind to comprehensively examine national-level perspectives across Africa on AI and data science for global health. The landscape presents an unprecedented view into the potential to improve AI governance in Africa to reduce the risk and stop the perpetuation of inequity. Entitled with “Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa”, the report is produced through the SFA Foundation’s Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) de la Fondation SFA. programme as a culmination of a year-long effort involving convenings across Africa’s five regions, policy analysis and extensive surveys to identify policy gaps and opportunities in AI and data science for global health. Grounded in consultations across 43 African countries, the report incorporates insights from over 300 stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its findings. “The global AI governance framework remains ill-suited to Africa’s unique needs and priorities,” said Prof. Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation. “Our report on AI in global health and data sciences champions a shift towards frameworks that reflect Africa’s context, ensuring ethical, equitable, and impactful applications of AI not only for our continent’s health challenges, but also to advance global health.” Key findings and opportunities The report identifies key trends, gaps, and opportunities in AI and data science for health across Africa: Increasing national investments: Countries including Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia have launched national AI programmes, while at least 39 African countries are actively pursuing AI R&D. Initiatives such as Rwanda’s Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria’s National Centre for AI and Robotics illustrate promising investments in AI startups. Need for health-specific AI governance: Despite growing interest, there is a critical gap in governance frameworks tailored to health AI across Africa. While health is prioritised in AI discussions, specific frameworks for responsible deployment in health are still underdeveloped. Inclusive AI policy development: Many existing AI policies lack gender and equity considerations. Closing these gaps is essential to prevent inequalities in access to AI advancements and health outcomes. “Incorporating AI into healthcare is not just about technology—it is about enhancing our policy frameworks to ensure these advancements lead to better health outcomes for all Africans,” added Dr Uzma Alam, Programme Lead of the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) programme. There are existing policy frameworks on which to build and/or consolidate governing of responsible AI and data science: At least 35 African countries have national STI and ICT as well as health research and innovation policy frameworks that contain policies applicable to the development and deployment of AI and data science. There is a surge in African research on health AI and data science (big data): raising the need for equitable North-South R&D partnerships. Recommendations and way forward The report is expected to act as a catalyst for integrating AI into health strategies across the continent, marking a significant step forward in Africa’s journey toward leadership in global health innovation by calling for: Adaptive and Inclusive AI Governance: The report calls for the integration of diverse perspectives spanning gender, urban-rural dynamics, and indigenous knowledge into AI health governance frameworks. It highlights the need for adaptive policies that balance innovation with equitable access, while leveraging regional collaboration and supporting the informal sector. Innovative Funding and African Representation: Recognising the potential of local knowledge and practices, the report advocates for creative funding models to bolster AI research and development. It emphasises connecting the informal sector to markets and infrastructure to encourage grassroots innovation. The Reinforcement of Science Diplomacy: To position Africa as a key player in global AI governance, the report recommends investing in programmes that align AI technologies with Africa’s health priorities. It also stresses the importance of amplifying Africa’s voice in shaping international standards and agreements through robust science-policy collaboration. The Bridging of Gendered digital divide: To bridge the gendered digital divide in Africa. targeted initiatives are needed to address regional disparities and ensure gender inclusivity in the AI ecosystem. It’s essential to focus on programs that build capacity and improve access to resources. “The report clearly outlines pathways for leveraging AI to bridge gaps and overcome current capacity constraints, while strengthening Africa’s role as a leader in shaping global health policy,” said Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation. “This initiative showcases Africa’s potential to lead, innovate, and influence the global health ecosystem through AI. “We envision a world where AI advances health outcomes equitably, benefiting communities around the world. The Science for Africa Foundation’s report brings this vision to life by providing clarity on policy frameworks of AI and data science in global health. This empowers African voices to shape AI policy – not only directing healthcare innovation but setting a precedent for inclusive AI governance across sectors.” – Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. In its key findings and opportunities, the report identifies key trends, gaps, and opportunities in AI and data science for health across Africa Accordingly, the report says there are increasing national investments in those countries including Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia have launched national AI programmes, while at least 39 African countries are actively pursuing AI R&D. Initiatives such as Rwanda’s Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria’s National Centre for AI and Robotics illustrate promising investments in AI startups. It also stresses health-specific AI governance, adding that despite growing interest, there is a critical gap in governance frameworks tailored to health AI across Africa. While health is prioritized in AI discussions, specific frameworks for responsible deployment in health are still underdeveloped. More over the report finds out inclusive AI policy development. It says many existing AI policies lack gender and equity considerations. Closing these gaps is essential to prevent inequalities in access to AI advancements and health outcomes. “Incorporating AI into healthcare is not just about technology—it is about enhancing our policy frameworks to ensure these advancements lead to better health outcomes for all Africans,” added Dr Uzma Alam, Programme Lead of the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) programme. The report also recommends adaptive and inclusive AI governance, innovative funding and African representation, the reinforcement of science diplomacy and the bridging of gendered digital divide among others.

Addis Ababa, April 6, 2025 (POA) -- The first Global AI Summit on Africa was concluded in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: "AI and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce". The event held in Kigali for the last three days brought together over 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and representatives of over 100 firms specializing in AI. Having deliberated on ways to leverage the cutting-edge technology in spurring growth and development in Africa, the summit launched the Africa AI Council, a multilateral body that aims at steering the continent's artificial intelligence agenda through comprehensive governance, ethical standards, and strategic investments. The council strives to unify the African nations on shared challenges and opportunities and ensure the just access to AI-powered technology, in addition to enhancing domestic innovation and protecting data sovereignty. At the inaugural of the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other leaders emphasized the need for a robust AI ecosystem centered on equity, innovation, and connectivity. Beyond policy discussions, the summit featured practical engagement platforms, such as an investment roundtable to connect African AI start-ups with global venture capitalists, and a research colloquium promoting collaborative exploration of local AI applications. Organizers aim to leverage the summit’s outcomes to shape future regional frameworks for AI governance and development funding.

​Addis Ababa, April 4, 2025 (ENA)— Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies has announced an exciting partnership with Nvidia to build Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) factory in South Africa. This groundbreaking project will go beyond just another data center—it’s designed specifically to power AI computing. The initiative, in collaboration with global AI computing giant Nvidia, aims to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation. Set to launch by June 2025, the factory will feature Nvidia’s advanced AI technology, with plans to expand across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. While a timeline for these expansions hasn’t been provided, the project promises to bring AI closer to Africa. The AI factory will be powered by Nvidia supercomputers using GPUs (graphics processing units), offering AI as a service across the continent. The factory will also benefit from an extensive fiber-optic network and energy-efficient data centers. Zimbabwean billionaire Masiyiwa described this initiative as a critical step for Africa’s presence in the global AI economy. The factory aims to equip local businesses, startups, and researchers with cutting-edge technology, strengthening the continent’s role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. What’s an AI Factory? According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, an AI factory is a specialized facility designed to manage the full AI life cycle—from processing raw data to producing trained AI models. Chinasa Okolo, a technology innovation fellow at the Brookings Institution, explained that these facilities bring together all the necessary elements of AI development—data pipelines, algorithm development, and model experimentation—into one unified system, making AI development more efficient and accessible. ​

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2025 (ENA) --- The Global AI Summit on Africa 2025, being held in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, under the theme of "AI and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce” is believed to accelerate the continent’s efforts to enhance AI innovations and capabilities. The two-day event, which kicked off on Thursday aimed to discuss the latest developments, innovations and technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and exchange knowledge and expertise with other countries. The summit brought together more than 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors and representatives of more than 100 AI companies. Speaking at the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized Africa's immense potential for innovation and creativity, which can be amplified by AI. He urged African countries to take proactive steps to fully harness AI's benefits.   "Our strategy should be to go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity," Kagame said. "Let's continue working together and driving AI to reduce inequality, allowing more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us." Kagame said that AI is revolutionizing industries by improving productivity, enhancing decision-making, and reducing human error. However, he cautioned that Africa risks being left behind if it does not adapt, cooperate, and compete in AI development. The overall objective was to accelerate AI innovation and align strategic policies in a manner that enhances Africa's AI capabilities and achieve competitiveness and inclusive growth. The summit saw the launch of the Africa AI Council, which will lead the development of the continent's AI ambitions.   It also included panel discussions and workshops and showcased the products of more than 100 promising AI companies in Africa. The summit also featured discussions on how to harness AI with the purpose of encouraging innovation and boosting the skills of Africa's workforce. Home to the largest and fastest growing workforce in the world, Africa is poised to play a consequential role in the global AI ecosystem.   By 2030, AI stands to add 19.9 trillion USD to the global economy—injecting 2.9 trillion USD to Africa’s economy. This could lift 11 million Africans out of poverty, and create 500,000 jobs annually. Maximizing the tremendous benefits will require Africa’s leaders to navigate complex economic, social, and geostrategic dynamics, and a shared vision for Africa’s leadership in the age of AI.