Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has officially inaugurated the AI UniPod, a specialized Artificial Intelligence innovation hub designed to bolster Ethiopia's digital sovereignty and accelerate the country's technological transition. Developed through a strategic partnership between the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Addis Ababa University, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the center marks a pivotal shift in Ethiopia’s technological landscape. 

During the launch, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia has embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from being a mere consumer of AI innovations to an active participant in their creation. He highlighted the necessity of empowering the youth with practical AI skills, translating research into tangible applications, and scaling brilliant ideas into broad-based solutions. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of developing homegrown technologies "by Africans for Africa" to be shared with the global community.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the center is directly aligned with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, signaling a government-wide shift from simply utilizing technology to mastering its design and creation. He observed that the concept of sovereignty in the 21st century is undergoing a transformation; it is no longer defined solely by physical borders, but increasingly by the ownership of data, the authorship of algorithms, and the mastery of technological systems. 

Ultimately, the AI UniPod is dedicated to equipping university students with advanced AI expertise, transforming creative concepts into viable commercial enterprises, and providing innovators with access to state-of-the-art workstations and tools to bring their visions to life.