Five Million Coders initiative aims to build globally competitive digital workforce

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2024 (FMC) – The 5 million Coders initiative aims to build a globally competitive digital workforce, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Alemtsehay Paulus remarked.

The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute held the first-round summary program for its 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative.

Graduates of the program included leaders and staff of the Institute, as well as members of AI clubs from various schools who completed their training.

The event was attended by prominent officials, including Alemsun Paulus, Warku Gachana, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, and other senior government representatives.

During the event, Alemtsehay emphasized the government’s strong commitment to realizing Digital Ethiopia 2025.

She highlighted the significant progress being made in empowering human resources, particularly through the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, which is designed to build a workforce capable of competing on a global scale.

She also expressed encouragement that the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute has made it a priority for all its employees to participate in the training.

The Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Worku Gachana also spoke about the benefits of the initiative, noting that all Institute staff have gained valuable skills from the training.

He added that the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is central to achieving the vision of Digital Ethiopia.

Among the Institutes employee, who completed the training, said the training enabled them to acquire basic digital skills in web programming, Android development, data science, and artificial intelligence.

One of the employees Bezawit Wondmagagn said the training helped her to upgrade skill and knowledge.

The other trainer Amanuel Humsa on his part said in this technology world the training would enable us to be competitive in the fields area in software development, web design among others.

The initiative aims to equip 5 million Ethiopians with essential digital skills in web programming, Android development, data science, and artificial intelligence over the next three years.

The program is driven by the belief that “the generation learns, the generation trains, and competes with the world,” fostering technological knowledge and preparing participants to be competitive and competent on the international stage.