Ethiopia Champions Africa’s Growth and Innovation at 39th AU Summit

At the 39th African Union Summit, Ethiopian leadership presented a vision for the continent’s economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development. Emphasizing Africa’s potential, Ethiopia noted that many African economies are among the fastest growing globally, with projections suggesting growth rates on par with or even surpassing Asia. Ethiopia itself anticipates a growth rate of 10.2% by the end of 2026, reflecting ambitions to transition from a low-income economy to a globally competitive one, anchored in productivity, industrialization, innovation, and quality job creation.

The speech underscored the continent’s demographic advantage, noting that by 2035 Africa will add more young people to the global workforce than the rest of the world combined. To harness this potential, Ethiopia is investing heavily in maternal and child health, early childhood education, and school feeding programs to ensure every child arrives at school nourished and ready to learn.

Urban and rural transformation initiatives are being implemented with a focus on sustainability and human-centered development. In Addis Ababa, riverside renewal projects have transformed degraded waterways into clean, vibrant public spaces, reducing flood risks and enhancing community life. Rural modernization is connecting communities to markets, linking development with climate stewardship. A notable achievement is Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 48 billion trees to restore ecosystems and create a lasting environmental legacy.

Technological innovation remains a central pillar. Under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 plan, Ethiopia is building citizen-focused digital public infrastructure, integrating national digital ID systems with payments and data exchanges to facilitate secure and seamless access to services. The country has also invested in Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute and plans to launch an AI university based on Ethiopian philosophy, combining human values with machine intelligence and applied impact. Connectivity is further enhanced through strategic investments in aviation and telecommunications, including the construction of Africa’s largest airport and the expansion of Ethiotelecom across the continent.

Ethiopia also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for economic stability, including securing reliable access to the sea, which is vital for long-term prosperity in the Horn of Africa. The speech concluded with a call for African unity, functional sovereignty, and proactive leadership, emphasizing that Africa must own its narrative, manage its resources responsibly, and leverage technology and innovation to shape its future. Appreciation was extended to outgoing AU chairperson President Joe Lorenzo, while best wishes were offered to the new chairperson.