The world is undergoing a fourth industrial revolution at an unprecedented rate.
Ethiopia must proactively embrace it to ensure our communities benefit, and our youth
succeed in the new world. We are witnessing a global transformation driven by new technologies
such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Nanotechnology, and Big Data, amongst many others
that offer new models for production, communication, and lifestyle. Our children require new skills and
knowledge, and it is our responsibility to position them better in seizing the future.
Ethiopia is yet to realize its potential in the digital space and leverage technology to
build a more prosperous society. Urgent, bold, and coordinated action is needed so we
can make this transformation successful.We are on a journey of rapid economic and social
change. In 2019, we adopted the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and the Ten-Year National
Development Plan (2020-2030). New digital technologies offer an opportunity to sustain growth and
ensure every citizen benefits from a more prosperous nation.
Leveraging these digital opportunities demands a new mindset and leadership style
from the Government. Enabling innovation means embracing the unknown. The Government
commits to investing in Research and Development of future and emerging technologies as well as
creating an enabling environment for courageous, innovative and committed people to develop new
businesses, services and jobs.Like many new and mostly unknown opportunities, there are risks to mitigate andlessons to be learnt to ensure our future is safe and inclusive. While these risks include
cybersecurity threats, harmful social media content, a growing gap between the rich and poor, the risks
to not leveraging digital technologies, however, are higher for developing economies like ours.The Covid19 pandemic, for example, has provided powerful lessons in the importance of digital tools: to trace and
track high-risk individuals, to facilitate vaccine research, as well as to mitigate the economic downturn by
safely enabling people to work remotely. Ultimately, the most considerable risk is complacency in
understanding and navigating our new digital paradigm. Also, informed risk-taking and a compassionate
spirit are vital to ensuring gender and socio-economic gaps are bridged and not merely managed.
Inclusively realizing new opportunities demands learning, collaboration, and
partnerships, both within and beyond Ethiopia. The development of this strategy has been
possible through cooperation and collaboration amongst various stakeholders, local and international
leaders. Special thanks to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Oxford University’s Pathways for
Prosperity Commission, MasterCard Foundation, Tony Blair Institute, Dalberg, and the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa. Together we keep learning from each other, we collaborate more
deeply, and we form more robust and more innovative partnerships.
This strategy is a first step and a call to action. Only work brings to life and delivers meaningful
results to citizens who deserve a prosperous future. This strategy is the first step and fundamentally a call
to action. I invite all those committed to a prosperous future for Ethiopia to join together and contribute
all they can. I am confident we can do it together.
BY: H.E Abiy Ahmed Ali (PhD)
Prime Minister
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
