From May 16–18, 2025, Ethiopia made a resounding statement to the global technology community: the future of African innovation is here. Held at the Addis International Convention Center, the Ethiopian Tech Expo (ETEX) 2025 emerged as one of the most impactful digital and innovation showcases in Africa. With over 12,000 attendees, including policymakers, private sector leaders, global investors, and tech innovators, the event marked a defining chapter in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey.
Hosted by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), co-hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, and organized by QNA, ETEX 2025 was more than just a conference; it was a national statement of intent. With the overarching vision of ‘Empowering Ethiopia’s Digital Future,’ the three-day event reinforced Ethiopia’s strategic ambitions to become the region’s leading technology hub.
A Nation on the Rise
ETEX 2025 unfolded against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 agenda, a government-backed roadmap designed to modernize the country’s economy through digital infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development. The event aligned closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and served as a platform to showcase the country’s achievements in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, smart cities, and government-led innovation.
In his keynote remarks, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the urgency of this mission:
“Digital transformation is no longer a choice; it is the catalyst for economic sovereignty and prosperity. Ethiopia’s vision is to build a digitally empowered society that leads Africa’s innovation narrative.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks were echoed by other senior government officials and institutional leaders, who underlined Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering regional digital cooperation and inviting global partnerships for shared growth.
Spotlight on Innovation and Security
The expo featured three days of high-impact sessions, including keynotes, panels, workshops, startup showcases, and networking engagements. Cybersecurity was a prominent theme, reflecting the increasing threats faced by emerging digital economies and the urgency of protecting data, citizens, and infrastructure.
Workshops led by experts explored topics such as AI in threat detection, zero-trust security models, and the use of blockchain in digital identity systems. Industry leaders and regulators also tackled the complex issues of data governance, compliance, and the role of AI in secure digital finance.
One of the flagship sessions focused on the ‘Cybersecurity Ecosystem in Emerging Digital Economies: Africa’s Roadmap,’where regional security stakeholders discussed collaborative cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard Africa’s emerging digital borders. AI, as both a threat vector and a defensive tool, was extensively debated, reinforcing the dual-edged nature of technological progress.
Key Figures and Thought Leaders
ETEX 2025 drew an impressive list of high-level speakers and panelists from across Africa and the global tech ecosystem. Among the notable voices were:
- H.E. Dr. WORKU GACHENA (PHD),Director General, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAll)
- H.E. TIGIST HAMID,Director General, Information Network Security Administration (INSA)
- H.E. Dr. Mohamed AL-KUWAITI,Chairman, UAE Cybersecurity Council
- H.E. Joāo Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço,Chairperson, AU
- Jackson Cheboi, Regional Cybercrime Specialised Officer, Interpol
- Balkissa Ide Sido,Public Policy Director for Sub Saharan Africa, META
- Mohammed Al-Sharif,Senior Smart City Director, Royal Commission for Riyadh City
These sessions reflected a growing confidence in Ethiopia’s ability to shape Africa’s digital destiny.
Regional and International Impact
ETEX 2025 also underscored the value of cross-border collaboration. The participation of the UAE Cyber Security Council as a strategic co-host partner marked an important milestone in fostering Middle East–Africa technology partnerships. It opened the door to new investment channels, knowledge exchange, and regulatory cooperation.
Foreign delegations from Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Rwanda, and South Africa also attended, signaling a pan-African intent to build interoperable digital economies. Ethiopia’s role as a connector between East Africa and global markets was repeatedly highlighted, positioning Addis Ababa as a future innovation hub on the continent.
Looking Ahead
As Ethiopia continues to implement its Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, ETEX has cemented itself as a cornerstone event in its digital calendar. More than a showcase, the expo is a mobilization force, bringing together government, industry, academia, and civil society to co-create a tech-forward nation.
The success of ETEX 2025 has set the tone for accelerated investment, stronger regional partnerships, and a sharpened focus on cybersecurity, AI governance, and digital infrastructure. With momentum building and vision clearly articulated, Ethiopia is not just participating in the global tech revolution; it is helping to lead it.
