Addis Ababa, February 16, 2026 (FMC) — Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said Ethiopia is entering a decisive phase in its technological journey, moving beyond the role of a technology consumer toward becoming a creator and shaper of the digital economy.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks at the official inauguration of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod), a collaborative initiative jointly established by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Addis Ababa University, and UNDP under its Timbuktoo Initiative.
Addressing participants at the launch ceremony, Temesgen stressed that the AI UniPod signifies far more than the establishment of a physical facility.
“The launch of the AI UniPod, powered by the Timbuktoo Initiative, is not simply the opening of a space. It marks the opening of a new chapter—one in which Ethiopia advances not as a spectator in the era of Artificial Intelligence, but as a builder, a contributor, and a leader,” he said.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the initiative is intended to equip Ethiopian youth with hands-on and applied AI skills, translate academic research into viable ventures, and transform innovative ideas into scalable technological solutions.
He further emphasized that the project reflects a broader continental vision, underscoring that lasting and transformative progress is built through strong and strategic partnerships.
The AI UniPod, he noted, is firmly grounded in collaboration while positioning Ethiopia within a broader African and global innovation ecosystem.
Describing the facility as “structural rather than symbolic,” Temesgen said the UniPod operates as a fully equipped innovation hub, complete with advanced AI workstations, industry-standard tools, and structured capacity-building programs.
The facility is designed to support the entire innovation cycle—from concept development and coding to prototyping and enterprise creation.
“In the 21st century, sovereignty is evolving. It is no longer defined solely by borders, but by who owns the data, who writes the algorithms, and who controls the computing power,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, highlighting the government’s commitment to investing in human capital as a key driver of sustainable development.
Addressing students, innovators, and development partners attending the event, Temesgen described the AI UniPod as a shared platform for innovation and cooperation.
“To the students here today, this space belongs to you. To the innovators, this is your laboratory. To our partners, this is proof that collaboration works,” he concluded.