Addis Ababa: Alibaba Global Initiatives (AGI) and Digital Transformation Ethiopia Association (DTEA) have announced plans to establish a training center in Addis Ababa in the first half of 2025. The planned training center, which is the first for AGI in Africa, will offer programs designed to nurture local digital talent capable of delivering tailored training within their communities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Senior Advisor at Alibaba Global Initiatives, Dan Liu, highlighted the potential of Ethiopia’s young population and strong governmental support as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Liu emphasized the importance of fostering a digital mindset among Ethiopian entrepreneurs to excel in the global market. The center will adopt a ‘Train the Trainer’ approach, serving as a hub to effectively reach the entrepreneurial community in Ethiopia and across Africa.
President of the Digital Transformation Ethiopia Association, Fikir Andargachew, expressed her delight in partnering with AG
I on this transformative initiative. The president outlined the importance of such initiatives in enabling Ethiopian entrepreneurs to harness the power of digitalization and expand their presence in the global market. By fostering skills and connections, the initiative aims to nurture key drivers of economic growth in Ethiopia.
AGI has also hosted a discussion with young Ethiopians engaged in electronic trade. The two-day event, co-hosted by AGI and DTEA, aims to cultivate forward-thinking Ethiopian businesses for sustained success in the international market. State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Yeshurun Alemayehu, acknowledged the ongoing efforts in Ethiopia to realize a digital economy through policy, digital skills, and infrastructure. The cooperation with international organizations like Alibaba plays a vital role in creating job opportunities and transitioning to a digital economy.
The state minister also mentioned the 5 Million Coders initiative, which promotes digital skills and entrepreneur
ship among Ethiopian youth. AGI’s programs are designed to inspire new economy entrepreneurs and support public sector organizations in developing a vibrant e-commerce ecosystem. The initiative aims to motivate others to build a thriving ecosystem that integrates e-commerce, payment, logistics, and big data.