Ethiopia Steps Up Drive to Expand Digital Talent Pool to 7 Million

On Aug 10, 2026 795

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is stepping up efforts to expand participation in the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative to 7 million by the end of the current rainy season, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call for more young Ethiopians to join the digital skills development program.

The Office of the Prime Minister today hosted an experience-sharing program bringing together graduates of the initiative, technology industry leaders, policymakers and young professionals to exchange experiences and insights on strengthening Ethiopia’s digital talent base and advancing the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda.

The program opened with an exhibition showcasing applications and developments in Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the growing role of advanced digital technologies in Ethiopia’s transformation.

Head of the Press Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, Billene Seyoum, said youth technical capability constitutes a vital national asset, reaffirming the Prime Minister’s call to raise participation in the initiative to 7 million during the current rainy season.

A panel discussion featured Dr. Abiyot Bayou, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology; Bethlehem Dessie, CEO of Gheero (ጊሮ); and initiative alumni Azimeraw Taddese and tech entrepreneur Mahlet Seyoum.

The panelists shared their experiences with the initiative and encouraged young participants to continuously strengthen their digital skills, develop practical solutions and contribute to innovation and growth across Ethiopia’s emerging digital ecosystem.

The program concluded with an open networking session, allowing young participants to engage the panelists and exchange views on opportunities and challenges in developing practical digital capabilities.

The experience-sharing program underscored the initiative’s expanding role in building Ethiopia’s digital talent pool and supporting the country’s broader digital transformation ambitions under Digital Ethiopia 2030.