Missions asked to work on soliciting technology transfers

Addis Ababa, January 15, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopian missions and embassies stationed in different countries across the world were requested to focus on obtaining technology transfers and supporting capacity-building programs.

The missions and the embassies were asked to work on these issues during ongoing annual meeting of Ethiopian ambassadors and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, which began last Saturday.

Today’s session deliberated on the policies, institutional frameworks, achievements and challenges of science, technology and artificial intelligence in Ethiopia.

The Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, made a presentation on the Science, Technology and Innovation policy of Ethiopia, the achievements registered thus far and key directions set to realize digital economy.

The Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Worku Gachena, also made a presentation on the institute’s tangible role in realizing digital economy and the major results AI affected in various economic sectors of Ethiopia.

Both presenters emphasized that Ethiopian missions should work on soliciting technology transfers, facilitating capacity-building programs, garnering financial support for projects, searching for destination markets and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

The State Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, stressed on his part the critical role of digital technology in the development of Ethiopia and the need for the increased contribution of Ethiopian missions in supporting the digital efforts, per MFA Ethiopia.