Finance ministers from across the Horn of Africa convened in Nairobi on Monday (July 14) for the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), with digital connectivity and integration high on the agenda. Hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters, the meeting brought together finance ministers and high-level representatives from member states and development partners to assess progress and accelerate momentum on digital transformation across the region.
Participants received updates on the Digital Integration and Policy Matrix, adopted in 2023, which sets key performance benchmarks for digital transformation in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia was recognized among the top performers in the region for its significant strides in digital reform and implementation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance, highlighted the country’s substantial progress in implementing its digital agenda. He noted several milestones including the liberalization of the telecom sector, the enactment of personal data protection and cybersecurity legislation, the rapid expansion of national fiber-optic infrastructure, and the registration of over 19 million citizens under a national digital ID system.
Eyob also emphasized the transformative impact of Telebirr, a mobile money platform, which now boasts over 54 million users and has facilitated transactions totaling 4.6 trillion Birr. This growth, he said, demonstrates Ethiopia’s strong momentum in financial inclusion and digital financial services.
Beyond national progress, Ethiopia also reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation. Eyob called for enhanced coordination on cross-border energy infrastructure, digital trade, and regulatory harmonization. He thanked development partners, including the AfDB and the World Bank, for their ongoing support in advancing regional integration.
The meeting underscored the growing consensus among HoAI member states that digital integration is essential for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience. Ministers highlighted the need to strengthen regional digital ecosystems, invest in infrastructure, build digital skills, and accelerate the rollout of interoperable ID systems and digital public services.
The Horn of Africa Initiative, launched in 2019, serves as a platform to promote coordinated investment and policy action in one of Africa’s interconnected regions.