Ethiopia to Establish AI University to Train the Next Generation of Continental Talent – PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, January 5, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is preparing to establish a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) university, which will be only the second in the world to focus exclusively on AI, following the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced at a forum at Addis Ababa University.

Preparations for the institution are underway, with plans to graduate up to 1,000 highly skilled professionals annually, the Prime Minister said.

Speaking at the 75th anniversary of his alma mater, PM Abiy said the AI university is part of a broader strategy to position Ethiopia as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s continental vision, he announced that 100 scholarships will be reserved for students from across Africa, with two opportunities for every African country, while admissions for Ethiopian students will remain strictly merit-based to ensure academic excellence.

The university’s curriculum will focus on practical applications in areas such as machine learning, computing, robotics, data mining, and AI research, drawing on expertise from both the Ethiopian diaspora and international academics.

The Prime Minister said the institution aims to modernize Ethiopia’s economy, strengthen the country’s global competitiveness, and prepare a new generation for the demands of the 21st century.

PM Abiy framed the initiative within the wider context of Ethiopia’s development, emphasizing the role of intellectual leadership and knowledge-driven policies in national progress.

He highlighted that scholars and thought leaders must understand the past, analyze the present, and envision the future to create a shared national narrative capable of uniting society and driving sustainable growth.

The Prime Minister also stressed that effective leadership begins with self-mastery. Intellectuals, he said, must reflect deeply, overcome personal limitations, and translate knowledge into action.

By doing so, they can empower society, cultivate creativity, and instill a culture of work, democracy, and civic responsibility — qualities that will underpin the success of initiatives such as the AI university.

Highlighting the need for multi-sector collaboration, PM Abiy said intellectuals, government, higher education institutions, the private sector, and society must work together to create entrepreneurial value, develop infrastructure that connects skills to opportunities, and generate practical solutions to structural challenges.

He emphasized that ideas generate movement, movement builds systems, and knowledge-driven institutions are essential for delivering tangible benefits to the nation.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said that the AI university represents a major milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to develop human capacity, advance technological innovation, and foster a knowledge-based economy.

He underlined that the initiative aligns with the country’s broader vision for inclusive growth, intellectual leadership, and sustainable national development, while signaling Ethiopia’s role in building a continent-wide cadre of highly skilled AI professionals.