Africa-Press – Eswatini. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for a unified African effort to build homegrown artificial intelligence (AI) systems, framing the technology as critical to achieving the continent’s long-term development goals.
Speaking at a high-level AI summit in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Abiy emphasized that Africa must shape AI innovation “on its own terms” to drive inclusive growth and accelerate the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Under the theme “Leveraging AI for Africa’s Prosperity and Collaboration,” the prime minister outlined Ethiopia’s investments in AI infrastructure and skills development, asserting that localized solutions could unlock transformative opportunities. “We stand on the verge of a new era, one driven by homegrown AI innovations that promise inclusive prosperity and faster implementation of Agenda 2063,” he said.
Abiy positioned AI as a catalyst for Africa’s socio-economic leap, urging nations to prioritize self-reliance over dependency on foreign technologies. His remarks align with Agenda 2063’s vision to harness science and innovation for continental integration, sustainable development, and global competitiveness. Ethiopia, he noted, is already advancing AI projects in agriculture, healthcare, and governance to translate this vision into “tangible impact.”
The summit underscored broader continental ambitions to mitigate brain drain and bridge digital divides. Analysts highlight that Africa currently contributes less than 1% of global AI research, with limited infrastructure hindering scalability. However, Abiy’s push reflects a growing recognition among African leaders of AI’s potential to address local challenges, from climate resilience to youth unemployment.
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