Addis Ababa – A landmark initiative to bolster information and communications technology (ICT) in Ethiopia was launched today with the inauguration of the Innobiz-K Ethiopia Incubation Center, positioned within the ICT Park. This center, heralded as the largest of its kind in the area, aims to spark job creation and nurture ICT-oriented entrepreneurship.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, which jointly manages the center with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Innobiz-K Ethiopia is set to play a crucial role in incubating innovators and entrepreneurs, helping them to refine and develop their pioneering ideas. During the opening ceremony, Baysa Bedada, the State Minister for Innovation and Technology, emphasized Ethiopia’s firm commitment to innovation, technology, and the significant role that science, technology, and innovation play as a catalyst for sustainable development. He highlighted the government’s efforts to integrate these elements into the national agenda, aiming to build resilient institutions, promote the green economy, and ensure an inclusive society where every citizen has equal opportunities for growth.
Baysa further noted the critical importance of innovation centers in stimulating economic growth, describing them as vibrant hubs for creativity, collaboration, and technological progress. He asserted Ethiopia’s dedication to empowering innovators and entrepreneurs by fostering a culture of creativity, investing in research, and developing a strong digital economy.
Dong Ho Kim, Vice President of KOICA, remarked on the significance of the Innobiz-K Ethiopia Incubation Center as a milestone in supporting entrepreneurs and the broader ICT development in Ethiopia. He anticipated that through sustainable and collaborative partnerships, the center would be a transformative force in the tech landscape.
Moreover, the Innobiz-K Ethiopia Incubation Center is expected to become a key hub for startups and innovative businesses, contributing to the formation of a robust national startup ecosystem, signaling a promising future for ICT entrepreneurship in the country.