The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Addis Ababa University, has inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod), an innovation and research facility designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
It is set to become a national center of excellence connecting government, academia, industry, and young innovators. As part of UNDP’s timbuktoo UniPod network, the initiative supports Ethiopia’s commitment to Digital Ethiopia 2030 and the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Located within the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, the AI UniPod will be the country’s platform for AI-driven solutions with both national and pan-African impact. The facility includes advanced laboratories, robotics equipment, high-performance computing systems, design studios, and collaborative learning spaces.
The Guest of Honour, H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister of the FDRE, stated that the realization of the innovation hub marks a significant step in transforming Ethiopia from a technology-dependent nation into a technology creator. He emphasized that in the 21st century, true sovereignty lies in controlling one’s own data, developing indigenous digital solutions, and addressing national challenges through local expertise.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with Digital Ethiopia 2030 and the country’s indigenous economic reform agenda, serving as a platform to nurture youth creativity and strengthen homegrown technological innovation. Ethiopia, he affirmed, is committed to shaping its own future and positioning itself as a leader in Artificial Intelligence in Africa
In his welcoming remark, Dr. Worku Gachena, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), highlighted that “Ethiopia established the Artificial Intelligence Institute in 2020 and recently published its National Artificial Intelligence Policy, making it one of the leading countries in Africa in advancing AI governance and innovation. The country’s AI roadmap aims for Ethiopia to be a leader in ethical, inclusive AI for development. By 2030, the government plans to utilize AI to solve local problems in agriculture, healthcare, and education.”
Dr. Samuel Kifle, President of Addis Ababa University (AAU), emphasized that “Today’s inauguration of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod marks an important institutional milestone in Ethiopia’s evolving digital and research landscape. Through facilitated access to student talent and faculty expertise, the university will ensure that the UniPod becomes a strategic and well-integrated pillar of its innovation ecosystem.”
During the inauguration event, Mrs Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, said, “Across Africa, we are witnessing a pivotal shift. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping how economies grow, services are delivered, and societies solve complex challenges.
She further highlighted that “Here in Ethiopia, the AI UniPod can demonstrate how a national platform generates regional value, contributing to shared learning and innovation for Africa. This is the core ethos of our timbuktoo initiative.”
UNDP contributed a lot to establish the UniPod, covering computing machines, equipment, software, furnishing, and specialized training to build Ethiopia’s next generation of AI talent.
