Ethiopia Graduates First AI Startup Cohort as Deputy PM Urges Youth to Lead Tech Push
Addia Ababa, (AMECO)— Ethiopia’s first cohort of artificial intelligence startup trainees has graduated following a six-month intensive program at the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, marking a major milestone in the nation’s push toward a digital economy.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated that the country’s national AI strategy is beginning to bear fruit. He called on the graduates to spearhead Ethiopia’s technological advancement.
“You are Ethiopia’s technology ambassadors,” Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen told the graduates. “You must strive to lead Ethiopia’s advanced technological journey.”
During the six-month program, the center provided startups with structured technical instruction, product development skill-building, and market strategy training. Beyond coursework, the institute supported trainees with:
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Dedicated workspaces and standardized AI workshops
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Cloud data center access and high-performance computing resources
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Direct mentorship and supervision from senior AI researchers
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Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that combining technical infrastructure with expert mentorship creates a strong foundation for young innovators to transform talent into commercial opportunities.
Temesgen attributed the center’s launch to the government’s targeted focus on the tech sector, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, PhD, for his leadership in driving Ethiopia’s digital landscape forward.
