Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (FMC) – Africa must invest in innovation ecosystems that link education, entrepreneurship, and technology to drive long-term development, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla said Tuesday at the Innovation Africa 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the second day of the three-day continental gathering, the Minister emphasized that empowering Africa’s youth requires more than access to education—it demands systems that promote creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for startups, strengthen ties between academia and industry, and adopt policies that nurture innovation.
Happening under the theme “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century,” the summit brought together ministers, diplomats, international agencies, and education and tech leaders to align national and continental strategies for ICT, skills development, and education reform.
Belete noted that Ethiopia is already seeing progress in its technology and startup sectors through coordinated public-private actions. He called on African countries to share best practices and collaborate in addressing common challenges, while ensuring no child is left behind in the digital transition.
Organized by the Ethiopian government in collaboration with African Brains, the summit aims to produce actionable strategies that integrate technology into education systems and expand digital access across the continent.
Participants include high-level delegations from across Africa, alongside international experts, signaling a growing consensus that sustainable development in Africa hinges on inclusive, innovation-led growth.
The summit concludes on April 30 with outcomes expected to shape future policies in education and digital transformation.