Addis Ababa: State Minister of Innovation and Technology Baysa Bedada stressed the importance of bolstering collaboration with development partners to harness innovation and technology projects for Ethiopia’s progress.
The ministry has organized Science, Technology, Research, Innovation, Digitization, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE- Ethiopia) forum with development partners at Science Museum in Addis Ababa today as part of the concluding STRIDE Ethiopia Expo the ministry launched last week.
Opening the forum, Innovation and Technology State Minister Baysa Bedada stressed Ethiopia’s recent strides in leveraging innovation and technology and the need to bolster partnership for its progress.
The state minister stressed the crucial role of partnerships in a rapidly changing world, where collaboration is essential to navigate advancements like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
‘The Ministry of Innovation and Technology is at a pivotal juncture in its journey towards progress. The Collective eff
ort of our esteemed partners, together with the unwavering commitment of the Ethiopian government, has laid a solid foundation for growth and transformation. As we move forward, let us embrace the opportunities presented by innovation and technology, leveraging our diverse expertise and collaborative spirit to drive inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind,’ Baysa said.
Moreover, the state minister mentioned about the ministry’s efforts in fostering an innovation ecosystem through investments in research and development, promoting entrepreneurship, and establishing supportive policies.
He emphasized the Ministry’s goal of empowering local talent and building a sustainable, needs-based innovation-driven economy.
Baysa further underscored the success of joint initiatives with development partners across various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.
The State Minister called for leveraging Ethiopia’s traditional knowledge and cultural heritage alongside moder
n technology for inclusive and culturally sensitive development.
The state minister concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous learning, experimentation, and embracing disruptive technologies to stay at the forefront of innovation and drive sustainable development.
He also expressed government’s commitment to collaboration with development partners to leverage collective expertise for inclusive and sustainable progress that benefits all Ethiopians.
During a panel discussion held at the forum, representatives from the European Union Delegation in Ethiopia, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), expressed the need to support STRIDE initiative to empower the private sector and government institutions for the Ethiopian peoples’ benefit and the country’s progress.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency