Addis Ababa, 19 July 2023
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia (MInT), Sumitomo Corporation, Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia Plc (Safaricom Ethiopia), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (Memorandum).
The primary objective of this Memorandum is to establish joint working groups to the realization of the Ethiopian government's program, "Digital Ethiopia 2025." By collaborating, these four entities aim to accelerate the development of innovative solutions through the effective utilization of digital technologies.
The MInT, as a federal ministry responsible for fostering science and technology to drive the country's socio-economic development, has formulated the national ICT policy, "Digital Ethiopia 2025." Their efforts are focused on leveraging digital technologies, expanding ICT infrastructure, and enhancing associated services. Additionally, the Ethiopian government has been actively promoting the liberalization of the telecommunications market as part of its broader economic policies, which aim to foster employment, reduce poverty, and achieve sustainable economic growth. As a result, Safaricom Ethiopia joined the telecom market in Ethiopia in May 2021.
On the signing ceremony, Dr. Belete Molla Getahun, Minister of MInT stated: “The Government of Ethiopia has ratified a National Digital Transformation, Digital Ethiopia 2025. This strategy focuses on Digital infrastructures, Digital enabling systems, Platforms and digital ecosystems in Ethiopia, with a call to all stakeholders to participate in realizing Digital Ethiopia and ensuring Ethiopia’s digital economy to be inclusive and all citizens are benefiting from the development. With the Memorandum of Collaboration signed today and the collaboration with the tree organization, the Ministry aims to strengthening the efforts of the development of innovative solutions through the effective utilization of digital technologies.”
“Safaricom started contribution to the realization of Digital Ethiopia 2025 through the construction of digital network, fiber and data center to provide high speed data service. MPESA service is another contribution to the governmental program targeting financial inclusion. Working with the Government and other stakeholders through this collaboration, we believe will promote various digital service which can contribute to transform Ethiopian lives for a digital future,” says Stanley Njoroge, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom Ethiopia.
“JICA has been cooperating with Ethiopia for over 50 years. Based on this MoC, JICA will promote further collaboration with private sector and digital human resource development to promote industrial development and DX in various sectors. This MoC is a significant step forward in JICA's cooperation with Ethiopia, and it is expected to help the country achieve its digital transformation goals”, says Toshiyuki Nakamura, Special Assistant to the President of JICA.
Tadao Saida, General Manager for Africa, Sumitomo Corporation said “As Ethiopia has been positioned as a priority country for Sumitomo, because it has the potential for significant growth in the future, Sumitomo would like to contribute transform lives for a digital future for all Ethiopian citizens in line with the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, through enhancing the close relationship with MinT, JICA and Safaricom Ethiopia.”
The memorandum will enable the establishment of the working groups in the following areas:
- Infrastructure: Development of digital infrastructure, data centers, and end-user devices etc.
- Enabling Systems: Enhancement of digital financial services, digital ID systems, and cybersecurity etc.
- Digital Interactions: Strengthening of e-government services, e-commerce, and electronic payments etc.
- Business Ecosystem: Promotion of digital transformation in the education, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism sectors.
- Regulatory Framework, Job Creation and Capacity Building: Support for upgrading regulatory framework in MinT, job creation, capacity development of digital technology professionals, support for digital entrepreneurs, and implementation of training programs in the telecommunications field etc.
Through this collaborative effort, the four entities aim to drive the realization of "Digital Ethiopia 2025" and address development challenges through the effective utilization of digital technologies, covering both hardware and software aspects.