Ethiopia joins global AI body as national science systems expand

Ethiopia has joined 28 other countries in establishing a new international body to promote cooperation and governance in artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the country’s growing focus on using science, technology and innovation to drive development.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Mola, signed the establishment agreement for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) on behalf of the country during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held in Shanghai, China, from 17–20 July.

The conference brought together government leaders, scientists, technology experts, businesses and representatives of international organisations from more than 100 countries and organisations.

The establishment of WAICO was one of the key developments at the conference, with 29 countries signing the agreement to create the new intergovernmental organisation. Its focus is on strengthening international cooperation on AI development and governance.

Speaking at the launch, Mola said Ethiopia recognised the importance of AI to the country’s development and security. He highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to establish an AI institute and implement a national AI policy, while stressing the country’s willingness to learn from other countries, share its experience and collaborate internationally.

Building Ethiopia’s science and innovation system

Ethiopia’s growing engagement in AI and international technology cooperation also reflects efforts to strengthen its national research and innovation system.

The country has been a partner in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), which works with science granting councils and related institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen research funding systems, research management and evidence-informed policymaking.

Through SGCI, more than 30 Ethiopian universities have benefited from online training in research management aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and research governance. Ethiopia has also used its participation in the initiative to pursue regional and international research partnerships and joint funding opportunities.

SGCI has also supported the development of institutional frameworks for a research funding agency in Ethiopia, contributing to efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to fund and manage research and innovation.

Such capacity is increasingly relevant as countries seek to ensure that emerging technologies such as AI are supported by effective research systems, appropriate policies and institutions capable of translating scientific knowledge into development outcomes.

Linking AI to development priorities

Ethiopia’s participation in WAICO also aligns with SGCI’s broader emphasis on strengthening African science systems to respond to national and continental development priorities.

The country is currently involved in SGCI-supported research covering areas including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, biotechnology and water treatment. Nine projects under the initiative are addressing challenges ranging from climate-resilient crop production and biogas to microalgae, drinking water and agricultural biotechnology.

The wider SGCI agenda is also placing greater emphasis on digital technologies and AI. Its new multilateral research call supporting implementation of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034) identifies AI and digital technologies as one of five priority areas, alongside health, agriculture, energy and environment.

The call is designed to strengthen multi-country research partnerships and connect research investment to Africa’s development priorities.

The call is supported through a partnership of African Science Granting Councils, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Government of Norway, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Wellcome.

Explore the full eligibility requirements and access the application portal at https://call.sgci.africa/. Expressions of interest are due September 25, 2026.

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Published on 27 August 2026

By Jackie Opara-Fatoye