MINT partners with Internet Society to advance digital economy in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 10, 2021 (FBC) -The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT) of Ethiopia and the Internet Society announced a new collaboration that will help advance the digital economy and drive economic transformation.

Last year, the government of Ethiopia launched its digital transformation strategy with the goal of leveraging digital technologies to foster development and growth for every citizen.

The collaboration between the MINT and the Internet Society will support the implementation of this strategy to help the country develop digital services to advance key sectors that drive economic growth such as agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism.

The agreement will also help expand connectivity to rural areas, build Internet infrastructure, and strengthen Internet governance.

Ahmedin Mohammed, State Minister for Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia said “The Ethiopian Government has set the Digital Transformation of the national economy as one of its strategic priorities. For the realization of this, the government introduced the first ever Digital transformation strategy which is a visionary umbrella strategy from which sectors and institutions can then design or align their efforts.

The Digital 2025 strategy has a goal to see digital transformation playing a key role for inclusive prosperity; innovating and applying the culture, practices, processes and technologies of the digital era to respond to citizens raised expectations. This strategy shall be realized through collaboration and commitment of everyone including government, non-governmental, development partners and societies. The strategy demands aggressive commitment to increase infrastructure, enabling systems, digital applications, and enabling ecosystem.”

Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President – Africa, Internet Society said “This collaboration comes at a time when Ethiopia is liberalizing its telecommunications sector which is in line with the increasing the infrastructure. We sign this agreement to increase rural connectivity and make sure that everyone in Ethiopia benefits from the digital transformation.”

The Internet Society is also working with Ethiopia to support the development of community networks in the Awi zone, Amhara regional state, and helping young men and women learn how to design, deploy, and maintain local area networks in Bahr Dar.

The partnership will enable to have even more impactful work in Ethiopia and help the country leapfrog into the digital society, according to African Business Communities.