By: Wegayehu Muluneh
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for increased financing and support for Africa's digital economy during his opening remarks at the 37th African Union (AU) Summit on Saturday.
Speaking before African leaders, he urged global financial institutions to consider the unique challenges faced by middle- and low-income countries during his address at the African Union Summit.
PM Abiy stressed the need for long-term financing to address key priorities like infrastructure development, food security, healthcare, education, and job creation.
He highlighted Africa's thriving digital economy, fueled by widespread mobile phone use and growing data usage. He emphasized the importance of a robust pan-African data governance strategy aligned with Agenda 2063, Africa's development blueprint, to ensure data privacy, competitiveness, and productive cross-border data flow.
He also underscored the need for increased infrastructure connectivity across the continent, including roads, airports, ports, and communication networks, to facilitate trade and economic integration.
He reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to regional and continental cooperation, stating that peaceful coexistence and collaboration are essential for shared prosperity.
Prime Minister Abiy called for embracing the complexity of the modern world and engaging in critical dialogues to find creative and pragmatic solutions for Africa's transformation.
He concluded by thanking the outgoing AU Chairperson and congratulating the newly elected leader, while wishing all participants a successful summit.