Ethiopia’s New Technology Minister Orders Review of Six Institutions to Advance Digital Agenda
The directive follows Tamru’s appointment on October 8 and the formal handover from her predecessor, Belete Molla. She previously led state-owned telecommunications operator Ethio Telecom, where she oversaw developments in connectivity and digital services.
Ethiopia’s new Minister of Innovation and Technology, Frehiwot Tamru, has directed six institutions under her ministry to assess their operational status, improve coordination and align their activities with the country’s national development strategy.
The directive follows Tamru’s appointment on October 8 and the formal handover from her predecessor, Belete Molla. She previously led state-owned telecommunications operator Ethio Telecom, where she oversaw developments in connectivity and digital services.
At a meeting with leaders of the six institutions, Tamru reviewed their mandates, ongoing activities, institutional capacities and future responsibilities. She called for a forward-looking approach to technology and innovation, emphasising the need to expand digital inclusion, create an enabling environment for digitalisation and develop solutions tailored to Ethiopia’s needs.
The institutions involved are the Ethiopian Technology Authority, Ethiopian Communications Authority, Space Science and Geospatial Institute, Innovation and Technology Talent Development Institute, Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, and National Research Fund and Council.
Their responsibilities cover technology standards, telecommunications regulation, space science, geospatial applications, technical skills development, intellectual property protection and research funding. Better coordination among them is expected to support the development of Ethiopia’s technology ecosystem and strengthen domestic research and innovation capabilities.
During the meeting, institutional leaders presented their ongoing programmes, achievements, challenges and future plans. Discussions focused on improving coordination, information-sharing and the pooling of institutional resources to strengthen implementation.
Tamru instructed the institutions to prepare assessments of their current status in accordance with established guidelines. She also announced plans to visit each institution to gain a clearer understanding of their capabilities, operational gaps and priorities.
The move comes as Ethiopia advances its Digital Ethiopia agenda, which positions technology as a driver of public-service delivery and broader economic development. The ministry’s responsibilities extend beyond telecommunications to scientific research, digital skills, emerging technologies and support for local innovation.
Tamru has also identified priorities including expanding access to digital services, improving government services through technology, strengthening scientific research and technical skills, and providing financial and technical support to innovators.
Her experience at Ethio Telecom includes overseeing the development of connectivity and digital services, including 4G and 5G networks and platforms such as telebirr, Zemen Gebeya and Telecloud. In her new role, she will be responsible for coordinating a wider range of institutions across Ethiopia’s innovation and technology sector.
The institutional assessments are expected to help establish a clearer picture of existing capacity and inform future priorities as the government seeks to strengthen coordination and advance its national digital development objectives.
