ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s path to prosperity hinges on the creativity and skills of its people, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized as he launched the 4th National Skills Competition under the theme: “Bright Minds, Skilled Citizens.”
The six-day event, organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), brings together top talent and innovators from across the country, showcasing over 70 technological solutions in 22 sectors. Exhibitions are being held across
four venues in Addis Ababa, celebrating homegrown ingenuity aimed at solving national challenges.
In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen underscored that skills development and innovation are no longer optional they are national imperatives for economic growth, job creation, and self-reliance.
“Competitions like this are not merely events; they are catalysts for technological transformation,” he said. “They spark innovation, modernize agriculture, improve services, drive industrialization, and accelerate digitalization. These are the engines of our future.”
Temesgen called on the current generation to embrace its “moral responsibility” to shape Ethiopia’s destiny, urging all stakeholders to actively support youth skills development and innovation. He stressed that through such initiatives; Ethiopia can reduce dependence on imported technologies and begin exporting homegrown solutions.
MoLS Minister Muferiat Kamil echoed the call, describing innovation as the “new Adwa” a modern patriotic front where Ethiopia must once again assert its sovereignty.
“The bright minds and working hands of our youth are what will transform this nation,” she said. “We are now in the era of the second patriotism where national pride is expressed through skills, innovation, and the ability to solve our own problems.”
Minister Muferiat highlighted the expansion of the competition’s scope over the past four years, now encompassing not only skills display but also research and applied technology development. She stressed that fostering talent and scaling local innovations are central to Ethiopia’s long-term development goals.
The competition is more than a showcase it is a platform for regional collaboration, experience sharing, and capacity building. As Ethiopia strives to secure economic independence and become a model for African prosperity, leaders agreed that investing in people’s skills is the most sustainable way forward.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 6 MAY 2025
