May 23 , 2025
Addis Ababa became the epicenter of Africa’s digital ambitions this May, as it hosted the largest technology conference and exhibition ever held in the country, the Ethiopian Technology Expo (ETEX 2025). Organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), the three-day event brought together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors at the Addis International Convention Center from May 16–18.
Held under the theme of “Artificial Intelligence for African Unity and Prosperity,” the expo served not merely as a showcase of technological advances but as a strategic platform for dialogue, policy alignment, and cross-border collaboration. ETEX 2025 reflects Ethiopia’s broader national ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation, a vision rooted in the country’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In his opening address, President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized the importance of purposeful collaboration in building a digitally empowered nation and government. “By working together in the field of technology,” he said, “let us build a digitally empowered nation and government.” The President highlighted Ethiopia’s decade-long investment in digital foundations and encouraged private institutions, regional and city administrations to support innovators. He said, “ETEX 2025 isn’t only an exhibition of technological advancement but a dynamic platform for ideation, foresight, transformative collaboration and implementation.”
He reminded participants that Ethiopia established the EAII more than five years ago, positioning it not as a passive consumer of foreign innovations but as a creator of impact and driver of Africa-led solutions. “To thrive in the digital economy,” he noted, “we must support innovators and build strong digital enablers.”
Worku Gachena, Director General of the EAII, announced that the event drew more than 15,000 attendees, a 20% increase over expectations. Over 100 institutions from both the public and private sectors and from multiple countries participated in exhibitions, panel discussions, and partnership dialogues.
The event featured panels, AI showcases, robotics competitions, and a dazzling 1,500-drone aerial light show, marking Ethiopia’s entry into a new digital era. Programs such as the 5 Million Coder Initiative were spotlighted as national strategies to equip citizens with 21st-century skills.
According to Worku, ETEX 2025 succeeded in positioning Ethiopia at the forefront of Africa’s digital future by catalyzing global cooperation, innovation, and investment. “This expo will catalyze global cooperation and position Ethiopia at the forefront of Africa’s digital future,” he said.
In a notable outcome of the event, the EAII signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four organizations: Learning Management System for Africa, Gas Pro, Elrobika Trading PLC, and Wingu Africa. These agreements target the integration of AI into digital education, the modernization of fuel monitoring, and the development of foundational AI infrastructure.
ETEX 2025 also served as a platform for encouraging African countries to adopt unified AI governance systems, an initiative that supports both digital sovereignty and economic integration on the continent.
Tigist Hamid, Director General of INSA, underscored the role of institutional collaboration in achieving long-term technological goals. She highlighted that innovation is no longer a luxury, but a strategic imperative for national development. INSA’s involvement, she added, exemplifies Ethiopia’s commitment to secure, inclusive, and forward-thinking technology policy.
Organizers, including EAII and INSA confirmed that ETEX will now be an annual event, marking a permanent fixture on the continent’s tech calendar. They thanked stakeholders, institutions, and individuals who helped make ETEX 2025 a resounding success.
In a continent where digital divides and technological challenges still persist, ETEX 2025 has proven that Ethiopia is not only navigating these complexities but actively shaping Africa’s digital future.