Ethiopia has big ambitions for how artificial intelligence can help drive progress on some of its most pressing challenges. In a landmark move, the country’s Council of Ministers on Thursday approved the nation’s first overarching strategy for applying AI across sectors.
The 49-page policy framework outlines a long-term vision of positioning AI as a core enabler of Ethiopia’s development goals over the next decade. It was crafted with input from British think tank Tony Blair Institute and AI for Good Foundation.
In a statement after its weekly meeting, the Council said the new strategy aims to build on preliminary work already underway in harnessing AI's potential.
"Since the introduction of artificial intelligence at the international level, various countries have been using it for key issues ranging from small entertainment and utility methods to national security and information services," the Council announced.
"In our country, many works have been done to use the technology more for social, economic and political services and to protect the security of the country, but there is still work to be done."
The policy aims to provide strategic direction and oversight over Ethiopia's nascent but growing AI sector, according to the Council.
Chief among those priorities is improving healthcare access in remote regions through telemedicine. The document also envisions AI helping transform education by personalizing digital learning according to individual needs.
In agriculture, more precise automation of farming techniques could help maximize land use and yields, according to the strategy. It also points to opportunities in manufacturing, tourism and the burgeoning startup scene.
However, major questions remain about implementation. Infrastructure bottlenecks like lack of broadband could hamper progress. Ethiopia will need to attract considerable private investment and skills to establish itself as an AI innovator, the strategy admits.
