Ethiopia to Host the Largest Tech Event in East Africa – Ethiopian Tech Expo (ETEX 2025) 

The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian  Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), in collaboration with key government and industry stakeholders, have  announced the Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025 - ETEX 2025. The event, scheduled for May 16-18, 2025, at the Addis  International Convention Center, will be organized and managed by QNA. 
His Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to its digital  transformation, stating, “We have made significant strides as a nation since beginning our digital  transformation journey. Digital Ethiopia 2025 empowers us to thrive in the digital economy, necessitating  support for innovators and the creation of digital enablers.” He encouraged global innovators and investors to  attend ETEX 2025 to explore opportunities within Ethiopia’s tech ecosystem. 
With the UAE Cyber Security Council on board as Co-Host Partner - ETEX 2025 will showcase Ethiopia’s  advancements in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, smart cities, and tech startups, aligned with the  Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It will position Ethiopia as a leading  technology hub in Africa.  
As H.E. Dr. Worku Gachena (PHD), Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII),  stated, “ETEX 2025 will showcase Ethiopia's tech-driven transformation, highlighting advancements in AI,  cybersecurity, smart cities, and innovation. This expo will encourage global collaboration and cooperation,  
positioning Ethiopia as a leader in Africa's digital future. Initiatives like the 5 Million Ethiopian Coder Initiative  play a crucial role in this vision, equipping millions with digital skills and driving capacity building for young  talent and skill upscaling across Ethiopia and Africa at large.” 
The event is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees, including global tech leaders, policymakers, industry  pioneers, and startups. Attendees will engage in discussions on digital opportunities with keynote speeches,  panel discussions, and exhibitions from Ethiopian and international tech firms. H.E. Tigist Hamid, Director  General at Information Network Security Administration (INSA), emphasized: “We are proud to host ETEX  2025, an essential event that fosters innovation and accelerates digital transformation in line with Ethiopia’s  vision. The expo will serve as a catalyst for growth, promoting Ethiopia’s digital capabilities and attracting  international partnerships to strengthen the nation’s tech ecosystem. Ethiopia is actively working to build and 
manage large-scale national foundational infrastructure, including a national communication platform and  other critical digital frameworks. Additionally, we are investing in capacity building, launching training  programs from teenagers to PhD levels to equip the next generation with the skills needed to drive Ethiopia’s  digital future.” 
A key highlight will be the focus on regional cooperation, inviting neighboring African countries to enhance  knowledge-sharing and digital development. Ethiopia’s infrastructure and policy reforms will attract foreign  investments and global partnerships. Ankit Shukla, Managing Director of QNA, shared: “We are excited to  
organize and manage ETEX 2025, a transformative event for Ethiopia and the entire African tech ecosystem.  Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, paving the way for global  partnerships and showcasing Ethiopia’s potential in driving digital change across the continent.” 
For more details on ETEX 2025, visit ETEX 2025 - Ethiopia’s Largest Tech Event | Innovation 
A press conference was held at the INSA and EAII Head Office on 26th March to officially launch ETEX 2025.  Pictured from left to right: H.E. Dr. Worku Gachena(PhD), Director General of EAII; H.E. Tigist Hamid, Director General of INSA; and Ankit Shukla, Managing Director of QNA.