ITU Regional Director Expresses Hope for Ethiopia to Take Lead in Digital Economy

Addis Ababa December 7/2024 (ENA)—Ethiopia has the potential to take the lead in the digital economy, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director for Africa Emmanuel Manasseh revealed.

Recall that Ethiopia has made significant strides in its transition to a digital economy in recent years as the country’s digital transformation strategy is based on a holistic approach, integrating principles of sustainable development, national development goals, and pan-African aspirations for digital transformation.

Speaking to ENA, the Regional Director reaffirmed ITU’s support to Ethiopia in its aspiration in the digital sphere as it is the UN agency specialized for ICT to achieve universal connectivity and digital transformation for all.

“Ethiopia being our member state, we assist in connectivity, creating enabling policy, and regulatory framework,” Manasseh noted.

ITU is well aligned with the work of Africa and the digital framework to make sure it delivers to the member states, the regional director affirmed.

According to him, mobile money and digital inclusions are manifestations of Ethiopia’s encouraging endeavors in the digital sector.

Essentially, efforts show that there is a big potential when it comes to the use of digital to transform life in the country.

“I can see that the digital economy is taking place here and most of the services that the government is implementing are using digital platforms to reach people,” he further revealed.

Tele Birr and other bank payment services are some of the manifestations of the digital initiatives undertaken by the government as the country is taking significant strides in transforming its payment system, it was indicated.

He also lauded a 5 Million Ethiopian Coders initiative that would greatly accelerate the country’s digital transformation.  

“I was really fascinated by the 5 million innovators who are doing the coding. This is a really good initiative. As we look forward, we see Africa, especially Ethiopia taking the lead in the digital economy and digital jobs not only in Ethiopia but also across the world.”

Ethiopia's Digital Transformation Strategy aims to harness technology to drive economic growth and transform the country into an inclusive, prosperous society by leveraging digital technologies across various sectors, it was learned.