Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Champions Technology and AI for Ethiopia’s Economic and Security Transformation
In a major stride towards technological advancement and national development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the Permanent Exhibition Section at Ethiopia’s Science Museum, underscoring his administration’s deep commitment to science, technology, and innovation as critical drivers of the country’s future.
Held in the presence of the Prime Minister and other senior government officials, the event marked more than just the inauguration of a new exhibition space it signaled a broader national vision. A vision in which Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and scientific research play central roles in propelling Ethiopia into a new era of economic competitiveness and robust national security.
A Strategic Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Technological Sovereignty
Prime Minister Abiy has consistently emphasized the transformative potential of AI and emerging technologies. Under his leadership, Ethiopia has launched multiple initiatives to build a digital economy, modernize governance, and enhance the country’s cybersecurity and defense capabilities.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity,” said the Prime Minister at the exhibition launch. “Ethiopia must not only be a consumer of foreign technologies but also a producer of homegrown solutions tailored to our context.”
The new AI-focused exhibition area at the Science Museum exemplifies this philosophy. It showcases Ethiopia’s current AI research efforts, from natural language processing tools that work in Amharic and other local languages, to agricultural AI systems designed to improve crop yields and disease detection.
This focus also supports Ethiopia’s ambitions in digital sovereignty, ensuring that key infrastructure, data systems, and AI tools are developed and managed locally, safeguarding national interests and reducing dependency on external technologies.
Science and Security: A Synergistic Approach
Technology is also being leveraged to bolster Ethiopia’s security sector. The Prime Minister has prioritized the integration of AI, surveillance technologies, and cyber capabilities into the country’s defense strategy reinforcing national resilience against both conventional and non-conventional threats.
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology, in collaboration with the security apparatus, is now investing in AI-driven intelligence systems that enhance border control, threat detection, and strategic decision-making.
This approach represents a shift from reactive to predictive security, using big data, machine learning, and automation to prevent challenges before they escalate.
The Science Museum: A Symbol of Vision and Ambition
The newly launched Permanent Exhibition Section features five thematic areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change and Ethiopia’s Response
Agriculture and Food Security
Hydropower and Renewable Energy
Aeronautics and Aviation
Each zone is designed to inspire and educate the next generation of Ethiopian scientists, innovators, and engineers.
Also unveiled during the launch was the first-of-its-kind Planetarium Dome a stunning 1,000-square-meter structure with a 36-meter diameter, equipped with cutting-edge 4K projection systems and seating for over 200 visitors. The dome provides a breathtaking visual journey through space and time, making science both exciting and accessible to the public.
Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy
Ethiopia’s investment in science and technology is not just about infrastructure. It’s about mindset change, about creating a culture that values innovation, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Prime Minister Abiy’s administration envisions a knowledge-based economy, where Ethiopia can leapfrog traditional development pathways and directly tap into the opportunities of the 21st century.
By integrating AI into agriculture, health, education, and public services, the government aims to boost productivity, reduce poverty, and improve governance.
Inspiring the Future
The opening of the Science Museum’s permanent exhibition is more than just a ceremonial milestone. It’s a clear message that Ethiopia is ready to engage with the future on its own terms.
The museum is now open to the public, inviting citizens of all ages to explore, learn, and imagine. From AI simulations to climate action exhibits and space exploration, the Science Museum is designed to spark curiosity and cultivate a new generation of Ethiopian innovators.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to place technology at the heart of national development, Ethiopia is steadily positioning itself as a rising technological hub in Africa resilient, innovative, and future-ready.
Source፡PMOEthiopia
