ADDIS ABABA – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) have signed a Record of Discussions (RD) to launch a Startup Ecosystem Enhancement Project in the Eastern African region.
The agreement, signed on May 8, 2025, initiates a three-year project aimed at empowering innovative startups that address social challenges in Ethiopia and two other countries.
According to the agreement, JICA will develop a National Master Plan and Action Plan, conduct startup ecosystem research and analysis, and implement pilot projects to promote the ecosystem in collaboration with other stakeholders in Ethiopia. The Agency also announced that opportunities will be created for Ethiopian startups to network and co-create with corporations and research institutions in Japan.
In parallel, the Ministry held a Digital Government Forum yesterday with participation from several ministries, government organizations, members of a Korean delegation, as well as representatives from the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Korean embassy. The forum aimed to facilitate digital transformation and promote sustained collaboration by sharing current experiences.
According to MInT, the forum’s objective is to reinforce the enduring friendship between the two nations and collaborate on digital government initiatives.
Speaking at the event, MInT State Minister, Yeshurun Alemayehu (PhD) stated that the Korea-Ethiopia Digital Government Cooperation Forum demonstrates the mutual commitment to advancing digital transformation, fostering innovation, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
He noted that South Korea has set a global benchmark in digital governance and emphasized the forum as a significant milestone in leveraging digital technologies for better governance, improved public service delivery, and inclusive, sustainable development.
The State Minister highlighted Korea’s achievements in e-government, citizen-centered services, and public sector innovation as valuable lessons for Ethiopia. He also pointed to Korea’s advanced fiscal management systems—such as the Fiscal Information System and the National Digital Budget and Accounting System—as exemplary models of transparency and accountability in public finance.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Kang Jung, affirmed Korea’s appreciation for Africa’s growth potential and its commitment to forming new strategic partnerships focused on shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity.
He added that the Korean government will work with Ethiopia to help it become more competitive in the global digital economy. The forum, he noted, not only seeks to strengthen bilateral relations but also aims to establish a digital governance agenda with regional influence across Africa and the broader Global South.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025
