EAII, ENALA sign MoU to renovate archives and library

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2022 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) and Ethiopian National Archive and Library Agency (ENALA) signed a memorandum of understanding.

Executive Directors of both institutions have signed the memorandum of understanding which enables them to work collaboratively.

At the ceremony, the Executive Director of EAII, Worku Gachena, said that his institute will help ENALA to transfer the Ethiopia’s ancient records and books to the next generation with the contemporary artificial intelligence technologies.

The Executive Director of ENALA, Yikuno-Amlak Mezgebu, meanwhile, noted that the country is blessed with written resources. However, the way these resources are stored is below par and does not match the contemporary system.

Therefore, the best solution is to use artificial intelligence, especially optical character recognition, for cross-generational research, he added.

The main purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to create conducive environment to work together on artificial intelligence technology-related activities such as digitization, manpower training, renovating the archives and library services and make it accessible, the Director stated.

According to the Director, the MoU helps to develop artificial intelligence-related technologies in cooperation.