Ethiopian PM Pushes Data Sovereignty & AI Development At AU Summit

In a compelling address at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called upon African nations to assert their data sovereignty and proactively engage in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. The summit, held in Addis Ababa, served as a platform for leaders to deliberate on the continent’s strategic direction in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that while AI presents unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize economies and improve governance, it also poses significant risks related to digital exploitation. He urged African countries to develop indigenous AI solutions that resonate with the continent’s unique values and contexts, thereby ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed among its people.

“As our data sets grow, so must our capacity to harness them for local and global good,” Abiy stated. “When used responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool in conflict prevention, transparent governance, and inclusive development.”

Highlighting Africa’s burgeoning youth population and its potential as a catalyst for innovation, the Prime Minister announced an ambitious initiative to train 5 million Ethiopian youths in digital technologies, including AI and cybersecurity, over the next three years. This program aims to cultivate a generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs and leaders capable of propelling the continent into a new era of digital prosperity.  

Abiy also underscored the importance of regional collaboration in AI and digital innovation, advocating for collective efforts to compete effectively in the global technology arena. He called for the empowerment of grassroots movements, youth networks, and digital literacy programs to inspire and equip the next generation of African tech pioneers.

“Africa must not just be a beneficiary of global technological advancements but a key contributor shaping the future of humanity,” he asserted.

Beyond technological initiatives, the Prime Minister reiterated Africa’s call for reparations for historical injustices, framing it as a matter of justice and dignity rather than charity. He urged for concrete actions to address past harms and to foster a transformative process that acknowledges and rectifies historical wrongs across the continent.

Abiy’s address resonated with a vision of an Africa that is technologically empowered, united in purpose, and assertive on the global stage, ready to harness the potential of AI and digital innovation for the betterment of all its citizens.

Source: https://youtu.be/DyrOJ7lWbL0?si=DwFBZJzLEFfUKJTW