Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has joined 29 countries in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a new intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting international cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla signed the Agreement on the Establishment of WAICO on behalf of Ethiopia at a ceremony held in Shanghai, China.
The agreement was signed by representatives of 29 countries, making them founding members of the new organization. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed the agreement on behalf of China, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was among the representatives attending the ceremony.
Based in Shanghai, WAICO will operate in line with the principles of the UN Charter and promote international cooperation on artificial intelligence through consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, according to the agreement.
The organization aims to support the development of AI in a safe, inclusive and equitable manner by advancing global collaboration and governance frameworks that ensure artificial intelligence benefits humanity.
Ethiopia’s participation highlights its growing focus on artificial intelligence and digital transformation efforts. The country has been advancing digital development initiatives, including the Digital Ethiopia 2025 agenda and the establishment of a national artificial intelligence institute.
Earlier this year, Belete reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in data resources, technological innovation and digital development.
The signing ceremony was held ahead of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, which is also taking place in Shanghai.
The proposal to establish WAICO was introduced by China in July 2025 as a multilateral platform aimed at bridging the global AI divide and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence reach developing countries, particularly those in the Global South.