Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged African nations to prioritize the development of their own technology tools, particularly artificial intelligence systems, as Addis Ababa became the focal point of the global tech conversation.

The Prime Minister cautioned at a national innovation summit that the current inequalities could be exacerbated by an excessive reliance on AI that is developed abroad.

“If we import systems that were not designed with our context in mind, we run the risk of becoming passive users rather than active creators,” he stated.

His comments are made in the context of an increasing debate regarding the ethical application of AI and the necessity of cultural representation in the design and deployment of technologies.

Abiy emphasized the necessity for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole to develop instruments that comprehend indigenous languages, customs, and values.

The technology sector of the country, which includes researchers at Addis Ababa University and local innovation centers like IceAddis, responded to the appeal with acclaim.

Numerous individuals have already initiated experiments with machine learning applications that are specifically designed for the fields of agriculture, education, and healthcare.

The Prime Minister’s message emphasized a more general theme that is gaining traction throughout the continent: the aspiration for technological sovereignty and the conviction that innovation, when fueled by local talent, has the potential to unleash Africa’s complete potential.