Ethiopia's Deputy PM Urges Investment in Africa’s Transformative Education Systems

On April 28, 2025, Addis Ababa — Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated that Africa should possess an educational framework capable of preparing the younger generation for both the challenges and opportunities presented by our ever-changing global landscape.

The Innovation Africa 2025, an essential conference for ministers focused on education, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and skills development in Africa, is set to occur in Addis Ababa. This key event aims at reshaping educational approaches throughout the continent.

A three-day summit with the theme " Educating and Skilling Africa for the 21st Century" gathered delegates such as ministers and experts from various parts of the continent.

During his introductory comments, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated that the summit marks a pivotal moment for shaping Africa’s educational landscape and expediting digital progress.

Highlighting the importance of African cooperation to tackle significant hurdles, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Africa finds itself at an era marked by — potential, aspirations, prospects, and ingenuity observable throughout every part of the continent.

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen emphasized that since many great nations have achieved prominence through the power of an informed and capable populace, Africa warrants an educational framework that prepares younger generations for future challenges. This will enable them to seize opportunities and succeed in the global knowledge-based economy.

"Education is the pivotal factor; the ultimate solution to tackle inequality. Africa has a youthful population, and the upcoming generation is rapidly approaching. They require an educational framework that prepares them for future challenges, beginning with educators who command respect, wield authority, and receive proper training. Students should be afforded every opportunity to flourish in the evolving landscape of the global knowledge-based economy," he explained.

Temesgen pointed out that Africa, throughout its history, is currently experiencing substantial investments in both education and ICT infrastructure.

He emphasized that Ethiopia takes pride in being part of this movement.

In Ethiopia, prioritizing education and skill enhancement stands at the forefront. Though the journey is extensive, we proceed with determination.

"We are constructing new educational facilities, improved infrastructure, and more robust digital networks. We are also committing resources to innovation, developing our workforce, and creating future-oriented employment opportunities," Temesgen added.

Regarding this matter, the Ethiopian Minister of Education, Professor Berhanu Nega, stated that this moment is a crucial turning point not just for Africa but for the entire globe.

Berhanu emphasized that the continent's future heavily relies on how well-prepared the young population is in terms of acquiring knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and essential skills to navigate through impending challenges and the times that follow.

For him, more so than at any other time, education, skills, and technology should not be viewed as an ordinary phase.

It is a crucial time in our history, and as Africans, we cannot simply let events unfold naturally. We must fully recognize that actively shaping a different path rather than repeating past histories will define our future.

At Innovation Africa 2025, an upcoming African ministerial conference focused on education, key stakeholders expect to forge robust collaborations and exchange groundbreaking concepts. This event compels participating countries to achieve concrete results aimed at molding the educational landscape across Africa.