By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged citizens to fully embrace the rapidly accelerating global shift toward artificial intelligence (AI), warning that failure to do so could leave the country permanently behind.
Speaking at a national technology forum in Addis Ababa, Mr Abiy said that the world is undergoing a “new industrial revolution” driven by AI and advanced digital innovation. He cautioned that Ethiopia cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past eras, when nations that failed to engage with industrial and technological change struggled to catch up for generations.
“The world is moving forward through an AI revolution, and we Ethiopians must move with it,” the prime minister said.
“If we lag behind now, just as some countries were left behind during the industrial revolution, Ethiopia may remain behind the world forever.”
Mr Abiy stressed that Ethiopia must invest heavily in digital infrastructure, technological education, and innovation platforms in order to unlock opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, public services, and national security.
The prime minister added that the government will step up efforts to integrate AI technologies into key sectors and empower young Ethiopians to develop technological skills that match global standards.
Analysts say Abiy’s remarks reflect growing concern that African nations risk widening the development gap if they do not quickly adapt to new global technologies that are reshaping economies worldwide.
