Addis Ababa (AMECO) Ethiopia has expanded the target of its national digital training scheme to 7 million participants before the end of the current kiremt (rainy) season, following a call by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for young people to enroll in digital skills development.
The revised goal was highlighted during an experience-sharing and engagement forum hosted at the Office of the Prime Minister in Addis Ababa. The gathering brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology entrepreneurs, and certified graduates of the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative to review progress and align with the broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy.
Opening the event following an artificial intelligence exhibition, Press Secretary Billene Seyoum described the technical and digital competence of Ethiopian youth as a vital national asset. She confirmed the government’s commitment to executing the prime minister’s expanded target of reaching 7 million coders this summer.
A panel discussion on digital growth and practical innovation featured Dr Abiyot Bayu, senior advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology; Betelhem Dessie, chief executive of tech firm Gheero; and initiative graduates Azmeraw Taddese and tech entrepreneur Mahlet Seyoum. Panelists urged young attendees to continuously upgrade their technical skills and build practical, market-driven software solutions for the domestic tech ecosystem.
During an interactive Q&A session, participants addressed questions to the panel regarding technical training, certification, and career pathways within Ethiopia’s expanding digital economy. Organisers stated that the forum reaffirmed the initiative’s role in driving capacity building and accelerating nationwide economic transformation.
