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What did the minister announce?
African Times reported on Meskerem 28, 2019 E.C. (8 October 2026) that Ethiopia is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and developing applied science. The Minister for Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, made the announcement at a national conference marking the 50th anniversary of the development of science, research and digitalisation in the country. The original text credits the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS.
According to the minister, targeted investments over the past five years have helped Ethiopia move from adapting foreign technologies to creating its own solutions. The authorities are also building a legislative framework to support start-ups and new technology projects.
The report says the education system is affected too. The use of digital tools is expanding in the country's schools, which, according to the Minister of Education, Berhanu Nega, will help prepare specialists able to work at an international level. Ethiopia is also developing the bioeconomy and the space industry.
Which students, teachers and schools does this concern?
The report links the change to schools, where digital tools are being used more often. Students and teachers in those schools are the groups it describes, though it does not say which grades, regions or subjects are included.
Founders of start-ups and people working on new technology projects are also named as beneficiaries of the framework. The report does not say whether universities or research institutions are part of the new work, and it does not name a body responsible for expanding applied research.
What dates are in the report?
| Event | Date in both calendars |
|---|---|
| African Times report | Meskerem 28, 2019 E.C. (8 October 2026) |
| National conference | Not stated in the report |
The report gives no start date, deadline, fee or timeline for any programme. It asks nothing of readers at this stage, and no documents or steps have been announced.
What should you do now?
Wait for the official notice
Before planning anything around these changes, look for the announcement from the Ministry of Innovation and Technology or the Ministry of Education on its own channels.
Read the full report
Read the complete African Times article to see the minister's exact words and the source it cites.
What came before this?
Digital methods have been spreading in exams as well. An earlier story on this site reports that the share of Grade 12 candidates sitting the national exam on a computer rose from 4.37 percent to 60.82 percent in three years, and that the Minister has said the plan is to go fully online. Read more in Most Grade 12 candidates now sit the exam on a computer.
The education minister named in this report, Berhanu Nega, was reappointed on 8 October 2026 and pledged to finish the ongoing reforms. See Education minister reappointed, pledges to finish reforms.
Sources
Every figure and date above comes from one of these. Open them; a story about your child's school is worth checking.