Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is advancing an integrated approach to artificial intelligence, digital skills and employment, with Governor Eyob Tekalign outlining how public policy, technology-driven learning and private capital can help equip young people with skills relevant to the job market.
Eyob presented Ethiopia’s approach at the Human Capital Ministerial Conclave on Private Capital for Skills, highlighting initiatives designed to expand digital capabilities and connect skills development with employment opportunities.
The initiatives include the National AI Policy, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Digital Ethiopia 2030, the Five Million Coders initiative and Medemer AI University.
He also outlined pilot programmes introducing an AI Coach and AI Tutor in secondary schools, alongside collaboration with the World Bank on an AI-enabled, gender-responsive skills-for-jobs platform for technical and vocational institutions. The platform is intended to serve young people from refugee and host communities as well.
Eyob stressed that skills development requires shared responsibility among governments, employers and training institutions.
He said its success should be measured by whether learners acquire relevant skills and improve their employment prospects, rather than by training numbers alone.
He also emphasized that mobilizing private capital for skills development must be guided by clear public priorities, quality standards and equitable access, underscoring the importance of ensuring that investment translates into meaningful opportunities for learners.
The conclave is convened by the World Bank Group’s Human Capital Project, whose network brings together policymakers from countries committed to investing in people. Ethiopia has been an active member since the conclave’s establishment.