ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT) has announced Ethiopia’s full readiness to host the second Ethio-Israel Innovation Week, scheduled to take place on November 11, 2024, in Addis Ababa.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) yesterday, Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Mola (PhD), emphasized that this event will be a significant milestone in the collaborative journey between Ethiopia and Israel towards fostering innovation and economic growth.
Minister Belete highlighted that the upcoming innovation week aims to create lasting impacts on creativity, collaboration, and technology, setting the stage for a robust partnership that benefits both nations. “The collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to leverage our strengths, share knowledge, and create strategies that will have far-reaching benefits for our countries and beyond,” he remarked. The minister further stressed the importance of both local and international partnerships in unlocking Ethiopia’s full potential in the innovation ecosystem.
Israel, known for its dynamic startup scene and technological advancements, will share insights and strategies through a framework that encompasses various dimensions, including knowledge exchange, capacity building, investment opportunities, and joint ventures. “We are united by a common vision to establish a collaborative framework that brings together key stakeholders to engage with Ethiopia’s innovation ecosystem,”Belete said. He envisions a partnership where Ethiopian entrepreneurs can learn from their Israeli counterparts, strengthening Ethiopia’s infrastructure and startup ecosystem.
Highlighting the significance of joint efforts in addressing pressing global challenges, the minister noted that groundbreaking projects between researchers from both nations would lead to innovative solutions.
Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Abraham Nigussie, added that a team of Israeli experts, each bringing diverse experience in innovation, will be arriving in Addis Ababa. Over the coming days, the delegation will meet with Ethiopian government officials, international organizations, academia, and private sector representatives to share experiences and discuss advancing collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship through 2025 and beyond.
In recent years, Israel has been involved in various cooperative initiatives with Ethiopia, including efforts led by government, development partners and the private sector. “Our involvement over the past five years has included professional surveys of Ethiopia’s innovation ecosystem conducted by Israeli experts and trilateral collaborations through the UNDP’s Innovation for Development program,” Ambassador Abraham shared. He expressed confidence that the upcoming innovation week will reinforce the bond between the two nations, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation that yields tangible results.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2024
