With its population expected to nearly double to 2.5 billion people by 2050, Africa presents myriad of opportunities for an inclusive growth that harness its rich natural resources and ensure prosperity.
The power of digital transformation in the African context is set to take center stage at GITEX Africa 2024, the continent’s largest tech and startup exhibition taking place from 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco. Attended by delegates from all sectors within Africa’s technology ecosystem, GITEX Africa presents countless opportunities to share insights into Africa’s tech future and showcase groundbreaking digital solutions that are emerging from countries on the continent.
Guided by its country’s development plan, Ethiopia launched its digital transformation strategy 2025 in 2020. The strategy aims to harness technology to drive economic growth and citizen engagement. In Ethiopia, modernizing its economy and enhancing governance are two areas in which the country is making significant strides, supported by several government initiatives aimed at expanding access to digital services and promoting e-governance.
For instance, the strategy sets out a comprehensive plan to digitize key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It not only recognizes the importance of digital technologies to drive economic growth, improve public service delivery, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market, but also seeks to create a knowledge-based economy that can sustainably address the needs of its growing population. And it is using innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to do so.
The GITEX Africa 2024 Digital Summit focuses on crucial discussions regarding Africa’s digital advancement and its journey towards a unified digital market, covering topics like policy, connectivity, and digital cities. Another conference, the World Future Health Africa Investment Summit will feature Ethiopia’s Mactar Seck, Chief of Technology & Innovation Section at the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa.
An Ethiopian country pavilion at GITEX Africa 2024 will also spotlight the massive advancements in the East African country’s digital transformation agenda across multiple sectors, from agriculture and e-commerce, to healthcare, manufacturing, and F&B.
Making Significant Investments in Digital Infrastructure
In a country with close to 25 million internet users at the start of 2024, representing internet penetration of 19.4 percent, public-private partnerships have emerged as key to the digital growth of Ethiopia. Recognizing this, the government, in partnership with the private sector, has made significant investments in a telecommunications network that can support the country’s digital ambitions.
Enhancing Public Services and Governance
E-governance is another key aspect of Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda, and the government is leveraging digital platforms to streamline public services and enhance transparency. Another is the aimed at providing a unique digital identity to every Ethiopian citizen, enabling them to access government services seamlessly and securely.
Contributing to Job Creation and Investment
In terms of economic modernization, much progress has already been made. In the agricultural sector, which employs the majority of Ethiopia’s workforce, digital tools such as mobile apps and remote sensing technologies are being used to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, soil health, and market prices. In the manufacturing sector, the government’s focus on developing industrial parks equipped with high-speed internet and digital facilities is creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and boosting exports.
The opportunities presented by Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey are immense. By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital skills, and foster innovation, Ethiopia can unlock the full potential of digital technologies to drive economic modernization and improve governance.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 5 MAY 2024
