Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on African leaders and youth to embrace technological sovereignty and shape the continent’s digital future on its own terms, reaffirming Ethiopia’s readiness to help build that future alongside fellow African countries.
The Prime Minister made the call in a message marking the 24th African Union Day, stressing the need for Africa to look beyond its achievements to the next frontier of collective progress and strengthen its ownership of emerging technologies.
In his capacity as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, PM Abiy underscored the importance of African leadership in shaping the continent’s technological future, particularly as artificial intelligence and digital technologies increasingly influence development across sectors.
He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast role in Africa’s continental journey, from the Organization of African Unity to the African Union, with Addis Ababa continuing to serve as the home of the continental Union.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa and expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to work alongside fellow African countries in building a future grounded in technological self-reliance and collective progress.
PM Abiy was designated by the African Union in February 2026 as its Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, giving him a continental mandate to advance these priorities across Africa.