ADDIS ABABA – The Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy will serve as a key pillar in Ethiopia’s national strategy to join middle-income economies, according to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (Mint).
Speaking at the launch of the STI Policy Implementation Strategy workshop, organized by MinT in collaboration with the UN International Trade Center (UNITC), MinT Minister Belete Molla (PhD) emphasized the nation’s commitment to harnessing science and technology for economic growth, enhanced living standards, and global competitiveness.
“This workshop not only validates the policy implementation strategy but also officially launches it as a practical framework for action,” Belete stated. He described the policy as a call to action that outlines shared responsibilities and paves pathways toward achieving national development goals.
The minister highlighted how technology has already begun transforming various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, improving efficiency and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
“The success of this policy depends on collective efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders,” Belete underscored, urging development partners to continue offering technical assistance, capacity building, and funding initiatives that foster sustainable innovation.
UNITC National Program Coordinator Samuel Fekade reiterated the importance of the STI policy in building robust ecosystems for economic and social development. “This strategy aligns with Ethiopia’s broader development plans by fostering a knowledge-led economy centered on learning, technological capabilities, and innovation,” he explained.
The STI policy implementation strategy aims to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities within Ethiopia’s science and technology landscape. With support from development organizations and private sector partnerships, the strategy promises to nurture an ecosystem that drives long-term growth and innovation, positioning Ethiopia as a leader in the region’s digital and economic transformation.
At the event, it was announced that the implementation phase of the strategy will begin on January 1, 2025.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2024
