A group picture of participants of the social dialogue on inclusive digital transformation in Ethiopia

ILO co-hosts dialogue on inclusive digital transformation in Ethiopia

Along with the Government of Ethiopia, the social dialogue event validated survey findings to improve Ethiopia's Digital Inclusion Strategy, emphasizing refugees’ access to technology.

18 December 2024

ILO News (Addis Ababa) – A social dialogue was co-hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT) to validate survey findings and gather feedback on improving digital access for refugees in Ethiopia.

On 18 December 2024, the event brought together federal and regional government representatives, social partners, UN agencies, and other key stakeholders. The MINT survey supported by the ILO engaged 321 refugees registered in the Somali region will inform Ethiopia’s National Five-Year Digital Inclusion Strategy, cornerstone of Digital Ethiopia 2025.

Picture of Yeshurun Alemayehu (PhD), State Minister, MINT, Ethiopia. making an opening remark. — Yeshurun Alemayehu (PhD), State Minister, MINT, Ethiopia. making an opening remark.

“Ethiopia’s digital inclusion vision is rooted in the idea that technology should be a force for social justice, bridging economic, educational and social divides,” remarked Yeshurun Alemayehu (PhD), State Minister MINT, Ethiopia, at the event. “Access to the internet, digital tools, and technology-based services is no longer a luxury for countries like us on the path of growth and prosperity, but a necessity for full participation in today’s economy and society”. The state minister also underlined the importance of tripartite dialogue to ensure that inputs from the government, workers and employers are reflected in the National Five-Year Digital Inclusion Strategy and in global discussions such as the standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy during the International Labour Conference 2025.

Picture of Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO PROSPECTS in Ethiopia and Sudan — Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO PROSPECTS in Ethiopia and Sudan

Commending efforts made by the government to foster an inclusive digital transformation, Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO PROSPECTS in Ethiopia and Sudan, stated, "This discussion comes at a timely occasion with the recent announcement of the 5-million Ethiopian Coders Initiative. This vision set by MINT holds potential to advance the economic inclusion of underserved groups, including displaced persons and host communities.”

Tiest Sondaal, Deputy Head of Cooperation and Regional Refugee and Migration Coordinator for the Embassy of the Netherlands, also applauded the Government of Ethiopia for its generosity in hosting forcibly displaced persons and integrating them into national policies and programmes.

Picture of Tiest Sondaal, Deputy Head of Cooperation and Regional Refugee and Migration Coordinator for the Embassy of the Netherlands — Tiest Sondaal, Deputy Head of Cooperation and Regional Refugee and Migration Coordinator for the Embassy of the Netherlands

Bridging digital divides

Providing a global perspective, Zulum Avila, ILO Specialist on Employment Strategies in the Digital Economy, explained that metrics to measure digital development are now evolving beyond universal connectivity. “The digital divide also concerns usage gaps, including the use of technology for upskilling, jobs and entrepreneurship,” she explained.

To address this challenge in Ethiopia, Marta Tsehay, National Programme Officer, shared ILO PROSPECTS activities that support the implementation of Digital Ethiopia 2025 through promoting inclusive polices, strengthening institutional capacity and implementing innovative programs on digital skills and livelihoods. These interventions also support the implementation of Ethiopia’s 2023 Global Refugee Forum pledge on enhancing digital infrastructure in refugee hosting areas to facilitate access to digitally enabled livelihoods and socio-economic and financial services.

Findings of the MINT assessment to identify challenges and opportunities for refugees in the digital economy were presented by Babesha Kenaw, Manager of Standard and Regulatory Desk at MINT. It highlighted critical gaps in digital access, usage and skills. Participants provided critical feedback that will help better reflect and address the realities faced by underserved groups in the country.

Representing the employers, Dawit Moges, Vice President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association’s (CEEA) urged partners to collaboratively address barriers faced by refugees and host communities to access digital technologies, such as by lowering costs of internet connectivity and diversifying power sources.

In his closing remark, Seyoum Mengesha, CEO of Digital Economy Development at MINT, highlighted the importance of inclusive strategies for a sustainable digital economy. He said, "This dialogue has been invaluable in shaping our understanding of the digital divide in Ethiopia. The insights shared today will be instrumental in refining our National Five-Year Digital Inclusion Strategy and ensuring that our digital economy truly benefits all members of our society."