More than 30 surgeons from across Africa have begun training at two newly opened medical hubs in Ethiopia, marking a major expansion of robotic and minimally invasive surgery on the continent. The launch of the China-Africa Robotic Surgery Training Center and the China-Africa Endoscopic Technology Training Center took place alongside the rollout of a broader hospital cooperation program, in an official ceremony attended by Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie.

In his opening address, President Taye emphasized that the initiative will further fortify the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and China. Underscoring that introducing modern technology into the medical sector is a key government responsibility, he highlighted the vital role technology plays in enhancing overall health outcomes.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba affirmed that the ministry is working with firm commitment to push forward Ethiopia’s health reform agenda. She stressed that healthcare workforce development remains a top priority, stating that these training centers will nurture the next generation of Ethiopian surgical specialists. According to information from the Ministry of Health, the facilities are also set to serve as centers of knowledge and excellence for the entire African continent.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai noted that bilateral cooperation between China and Africa continues to expand across all sectors. Highlighting the solid partnership built between China and Ethiopia in the health sector, the ambassador affirmed that both nations will continue to collaborate on human resource development in healthcare.

The advanced surgical training institutions are already fully operational, with their inaugural cohort bringing together doctors from Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Libya, and several other African nations.