Ethiopia Pushes AI Growth at SelectUSA Summit, Courts Foreign Investment

Ethiopia is using the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland to promote its artificial intelligence sector and attract foreign capital. The country’s AI Institute presented its research agenda, led by Director General Dr. Werku Gachena, to position Ethiopia as an emerging AI hub.

The SelectUSA summit brings together government officials, economic development groups, and private‑sector leaders to explore partnership opportunities. Ethiopia’s participation reflects its broader strategy to expand the digital economy and integrate more deeply into global innovation networks. The event includes dedicated AI sessions, highlighting rising international interest in the technology.

At the conference, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute showcased ongoing research and development projects across sectors such as agriculture, health, and finance. Director General Dr. Werku Gachena detailed how these efforts aim to solve local challenges while building export‑ready solutions. The institute emphasized collaboration with universities, startups, and international partners to strengthen technical capacity.

Ethiopia’s goal at the summit is to identify new investment avenues for its growing tech landscape and to signal its ambition to become a recognized AI player. By engaging directly with foreign investors and technology firms, the country seeks to secure funding for infrastructure, talent development, and pilot programs. Officials noted that successful outreach could accelerate job creation and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP.

If the summit yields concrete commitments, Ethiopia may see faster rollout of AI‑enabled services and greater integration into regional value chains. Observers will watch for follow‑up announcements on funding agreements, joint ventures, and policy reforms that support innovation. The next steps will determine whether the country’s AI ambitions translate into measurable economic impact.