Addis Ababa, April 15, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is working to position itself at the forefront of emerging technological shifts by embracing artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 as central pillars of its long-term economic strategy, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has said.
In the first part of his interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) under the theme “The Heart of Sovereignty,” the Prime Minister outlined a shift in Ethiopia’s industrial outlook, emphasizing that modern development is increasingly defined by data, digital systems, and intelligent technologies rather than traditional industrial inputs alone.
He explained that the concept of industry has evolved beyond conventional associations with iron, steel, and manufacturing emissions, noting that today’s industrial competitiveness is shaped by digital infrastructure, data processing capacity, and the integration of artificial intelligence into production systems.
The Prime Minister said Industry 4.0 represents a structural change in how economies operate, arguing that industries without digital components such as data and chips can no longer be considered fully developed within the modern global economy.
He further stated that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technological concept, but an active component of everyday life and institutional decision-making processes, influencing sectors ranging from transport systems to global information access.
According to him, AI is increasingly embedded in institutional structures, where it supports decision-making processes and enhances efficiency, including in emerging initiatives such as Ethiopia’s proposed Artificial Intelligence University.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the expanding global role of AI in improving productivity, accelerating market connectivity, and reshaping industrial processes across multiple sectors, including manufacturing and services.
He noted that robotics and automation are gradually transforming labor-intensive sectors, reflecting the broader pace of technological change in the contemporary global economy.
Beyond technological transformation, he emphasized the importance of strategic timing in development, stating that countries benefit more from early adoption of innovation rather than delayed entry into emerging sectors.
He described early engagement in innovation as a competitive advantage, contrasting it with historical tendencies where late adoption was sometimes perceived as beneficial. He said this mindset is becoming increasingly outdated in today’s fast-moving technological environment.
The Prime Minister added that Ethiopia’s push in areas such as solar manufacturing, drone technology discussions, and the establishment of an artificial intelligence university reflects a broader strategy to capture opportunities early and accelerate industrial modernization.
He further linked these developments to Ethiopia’s broader ambition of building a digital economy capable of supporting long-term industrial growth and global competitiveness.