Ethiopia is poised to enhance its collaboration with the United Nations in digital technology, a move that underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its digital economy.
Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla (PhD), revealed this ambition during a recent meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill (PhD).
In their discussions, Minister Belete articulated Ethiopia's eagerness to deepen international cooperation in various sectors, particularly in technology and innovation transfer.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging the UN's expertise to maximize benefits in areas such as information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
"We aim to strengthen our partnership with the UN's technology working groups to foster sustainable digital growth," Belete stated.
According to him, Ethiopia has made significant strides in establishing robust policies and institutions that facilitate the growth of its digital economy.
The government is focusing on enhancing infrastructure, governance, and human capacity building to create a conducive environment for technological advancement, the Minister pinpointed.
He also indicated that this strategic approach aligns with global trends and positions Ethiopia as a proactive participant in the digital landscape.
During the meeting, Amandeep Singh Gill highlighted the need for improved frameworks to ensure equitable access to digital resources, particularly for countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
"It is essential that nations like Ethiopia benefit equally from digital transformation initiatives. This sentiment resonates with developing countries that are increasingly seeking to harness the opportunities presented by the UN’s digital sector,” he noted.
During the occasion, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology has received positive feedback regarding its initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem.
With a shared vision for a more inclusive digital future, both Ethiopia and the UN are committed to ensuring that technological advancements catalyze economic growth and social development, it was learned.