Ethiopia Embeds Digital Sovereignty at Core of National Digital Transformation with Launch of Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy
Addis Ababa, December 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has positioned digital sovereignty at the center of its national digital transformation agenda with the formal unveiling of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology announced.
During a press briefing on the strategy, Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla said the newly introduced framework is anchored in the principle of ensuring that Ethiopian data is owned, managed, and protected within the country’s borders. The strategy was officially launched in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior government officials, marking the commencement of a new five‑year phase in Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts.
According to the minister, the strategy prioritizes the establishment of a sovereign national cloud and the stringent enforcement of data sovereignty regulations as foundational elements. These measures are intended to ensure that the data of Ethiopian citizens remains under domestic governance and protection.
The strategy also aims to transition the nation away from reliance on foreign digital platforms toward full control over its own digital infrastructure. The shift is designed to accelerate Ethiopia’s evolution into a leading technology hub in Africa, enabling the country to progress from being a consumer of external digital services to becoming a controller of its own digital destiny.
The Ministry emphasized that building a scalable Digital Public Infrastructure is essential to reducing dependence on external systems. This foundational infrastructure will draw on the achievements of the earlier Digital 2025 Strategic Plan, including initiatives such as the “5 Million Ethiopian Coders” program, which seeks to expand the nation’s digital talent pool.
Looking forward, the strategy envisages the development of a cash‑lite economy, projecting significant growth in digital transactions by 2030. Officials noted this transformation is expected to support greater transparency in financial operations and help narrow the financial inclusion gap across the country.
State Minister Baysa Bedada outlined ambitious objectives for human capital development and entrepreneurship under the strategy, stating that at least 5,000 startups are expected to become fully operational through a newly established Entrepreneurship Development Policy. This initiative aims to cultivate an ecosystem capable of producing Ethiopia’s first “unicorn” companies — startups with valuations exceeding $1 billion.
In addition, State Minister Kere detailed the national targets set by the strategy to raise digital literacy and skills among the population, reinforcing the government’s commitment to broad‑based digital capacity building.
Government officials emphasized that the strategic briefing follows the recent official launch of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, and noted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the strategy as not merely a technical document, but an integral pillar of the nation’s broader goals for prosperity and sustainable development.