ADDDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s digital inclusion strategy has considered integration of refugees, internally displaced people and host communities, said the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT).
The MinT in collaboration with the ILO held a social dialogue event on an inclusive and transformative digital strategy for Ethiopia yesterday.
In his keynote speech, MinT State Minister Yeshrun Alemayehu (PhD) said that : “The digital revolution is reshaping industries, societies, the way we live today and paves a way for a more inclusive, suitable and sustainable future. However, the potential of digital transformation is very immense; the benefits of these technological revolutions must be accessible to everyone everywhere without divide. ’’
Ethiopia has planned the development of a national fiber digital inclusion strategy. It is more focused on adoption of a comprehensive national fiber digital inclusion strategy that considers the integration of refugees and host communities. This can contribute to and benefit from the digital transformation, he added.
According to him, the country’s digital inclusion vision is rooted in the idea that technology should be a force for social distress, bridging economies, education and social divides. Access to the internet, digital tools and technology best services is not luxury.
He stressed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth through digital innovation.
According to ILO Chief Technical Advisor Stephen Opio , Ethiopia has steadily improved digital connectivity for refugees and host communities. Social dialogue plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and sustainable growth. With Ethiopia currently hosting approximately 1.1 million refugees, Opio mentioned the country as a leading example of these efforts.
He appreciated the five million initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) recently with the main focus of creating five million jobs in the sector as part of the digital Ethiopia strategy. This would highly support inclusiveness.
He commended Ethiopia’s digital strategy initiatives, which have significantly improved refugees’ access to connectivity over time.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2024
