Ethiopia, UNECA hold discussions on technology transfer

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The Ministry of Innovation and Technology Ethiopia has held discussions with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa aimed at deepening collaboration on technology transfer and advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting brought together Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Bete Mola, and Robert Tama Lisinge, Director of UNECA’s Division of Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure. The talks focused on identifying areas of cooperation to support Ethiopia’s long-term development priorities in science, technology and innovation.

Officials highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in strengthening Ethiopia’s global competitiveness, particularly in areas such as digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and policy development. The discussions also explored opportunities for technical and advisory support from UNECA, including in artificial intelligence strategy development, entrepreneurial university networks and research in taxation.

The Ministry noted that progress under the Digital Ethiopia 2025/2030 Strategy has contributed to significant gains, including the expansion of digital identification systems to more than 41 million citizens, increased data usage and the implementation of supportive regulatory frameworks for startups.

UNECA indicated its readiness to support Ethiopia through capacity-building initiatives, including skills development programmes backed by external partners such as Google. The Commission also pointed to Ethiopia’s progress in developing institutions focused on digital identity and artificial intelligence as a model for other African countries.

Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration through knowledge exchange and joint initiatives, including preparations for the 2026 Science, Technology and Innovation Forum to be held in Addis Ababa.

The partnership is expected to enhance institutional capacity, support research and innovation, and accelerate Ethiopia’s transition toward a digitally driven economy.