Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ethiopia Zhalgas Adilbayev held a meeting with Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla Getahun to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation in digital development, DKNews.kz reports.
The talks focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence.
Officials noted that both countries share similar ambitions in advancing modern technologies and building competitive digital economies.
Dialogue on digital transformation strategies
During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat highlighted ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan’s public administration system.
He also informed the Ethiopian side about the nationwide referendum on constitutional amendments scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Adilbayev noted that Kazakhstan continues to modernize governance structures while actively investing in digital technologies and innovation-driven development.
Shared priorities in digital development
The discussion also focused on Ethiopia’s progress in digital transformation.
Adilbayev praised the rapid development of digitalization initiatives in the country and pointed to similarities between Kazakhstan’s digital development programs and Ethiopia’s national strategy Digital Ethiopia.
The parties exchanged views on the implementation of Ethiopia’s new strategic program:
- Digital Ethiopia 2030
- development of national digital infrastructure
- expansion of artificial intelligence technologies
- strengthening innovation ecosystems
The Ethiopian minister outlined the country’s goals in advancing digital technologies and expressed interest in learning from Kazakhstan’s experience in this field.
Kazakhstan highlights AI and technology initiatives
In response, the ambassador noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places special emphasis on the development of a digital technology ecosystem and the integration of artificial intelligence into public services.
He added that the Head of State has declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Kazakhstan.
This initiative aims to accelerate technological modernization and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation.
Plans for long-term cooperation
The sides also discussed practical steps to deepen bilateral cooperation in the technology sector.
In particular, they expressed mutual interest in:
- signing a Memorandum of Cooperation in information and communication technologies
- holding expert-level consultations
- organizing reciprocal visits of official delegations
Officials noted that such steps would help build sustainable partnerships between Astana and Addis Ababa in the digital sphere.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed confidence that cooperation between Kazakhstan and Ethiopia could contribute to strengthening the technological and innovation leadership of both countries in their respective regions.
