Dr. Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology, stated that a total of 780,000 citizens across the country are currently undergoing the coder training as part of the 5 Million Ethiopians Coders Initiative.
The minister mentioned that out of this number, 280,000 have already graduated and received their certificates, adding that these certificates are internationally recognized.
He further stated that this program is a three-year initiative and is expected to benefit between 5 million and 7 million young people during this period.
The minister remarked that the world is moving towards a digital technology system and indicated that this initiative is crucial for citizens to become proficient and productive participants in the building of a digital economy as a nation.
The minister added that various strategies have been developed and are being implemented to achieve the digital economy transition in Ethiopia.
Dr. Belete stated that achieving Ethiopia's digital economy transition requires various inputs and efforts, emphasizing that one of the main and essential requirements is the expansion of infrastructure development.
The Minister expressed that the government and the private sector must work together to realize this plan that Ethiopia has embarked on and indicated that significant changes have been recorded in this regard.
He also stressed that increasing the number of internet and mobile users and creating and enhancing enabling inputs for digital economy building is a primary objective of the digital economy transition.
The minister further explained that working on human resource development is also necessary to build the digital capacity of citizens.