By Lalu Etalla

ADDIS ABABA — The Pan-African AI Startup Bootcamp Program (Pan-African AI Ventures Residency) officially commenced today in Addis Ababa, marking Ethiopia’s growing leadership in advancing continental technology and digital innovation.

Delivering the opening address, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), Worku Gachena (PhD), stated that Ethiopia is working to maximize its benefits from artificial intelligence technology—ranging from establishing dedicated institutions to formulating a national AI policy and digital strategies.

Highlighting the establishment of the AI UniPod as a prime example of this commitment, he explained that the hub was set up to create value for the African continent as a whole while facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovation among African nations.

Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, Matthias Zana Naab (PhD), emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI development and implementation across Africa remain inclusive and equitable. Addressing the selected beneficiaries, he called on participants to support one another during their residency and fully leverage the opportunity.

The program is organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with Addis Ababa University, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Government of Japan.