Even those having access to the Internet pay, access is expensive and often unreliable. As a result, Ethiopians risk from being marginalized from the Internet economy. Fortunately, this is changing since the state monopoly on telecommunication that was the root cause of most of the problems has been abolished and competition is in the horizon.
The Internet Society, together with its partners, organized Ethiopia Internet Development Conference 2020 as a multi-stakeholder event to so that the local community can prepare for this new era and start developing the Internet ecosystem for the benefit of citizens and businesses alike. The event took place from 3-5 March 2020 in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
We are grateful and honored that the Ministry of Innovation and Technology has accepted to support the conference.
H.E. Dr. Ahmedin Mohammed State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia receiving Dr. Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President for Africa (Internet Society) at his office
Objective of the Conference
The objective of the conference was to create awareness amongst policy makers, regulators, businesses, technologists, and potential entrepreneurs about the Internet model, technology and organizations and create the foundation for a robust internet Ecosystem in Ethiopia in this new post-monopoly era. Specifically, the conference:
- Addressed the main issues and challenges the country is facing in relation to the quality and penetration of Internet service and technology.
- Explored different technical options to improve the local internet infrastructure and to make better use of the regional and global internet infrastructure.
- Explored the potential and future obstacles, threats regarding Internet technology expansion in the country and discuss potential solutions and recommendations.
Thank you for attending the event. If you were not able to join us, watch the recorded livestream!
- Opening Session
- Keynote Speeches: An Exciting Past and a Thrilling Future of the Internet
- Foundations of Internet for Development
- Africa and the Internet
- Bringing Ethiopia to the Future
- Parallel Discussion:
- Keynote Speeches, Day 3 – Part 1
- Reporting for parallel tracks
- Keynote speech: Dr. Ahmedin M. Ahmed
- Closing remarks
Watch the keynote speech by Andrew Sullivan, our President and CEO:
