By Ebi Kesiena
China and Ethiopia have committed to bolstering their collaboration in technology transfer, human resource development, and the establishment of scientific laboratories.
This agreement was solidified during the 3rd Ethio-China Joint Committee Meeting on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, emphasized that the meeting represents a significant milestone in Ethio-China cooperation in science and technology.
He highlighted the importance of their partnership, which aims to foster mutual progress and innovation through the exchange of ideas.
“Through strategic partnerships with China and other international partners, we are working toward building a robust innovation ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and accelerates technological advancement,” Molla stated.
Molla outlined Ethiopia’s ambitions to become a regional hub for technological excellence and innovation by investing in research and development, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging collaboration among key stakeholders.
“We want to build a robust innovation ecosystem through strengthening research institutions, advancing technologies, facilitating skills development, and enhancing digital infrastructure,” he added.
Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Lin Xin, acknowledged China’s long-standing commitment to science, technology, and innovation cooperation with Ethiopia since the signing of an intergovernmental agreement in 2011.
Lin emphasized Ethiopia’s pivotal role in the China-Africa strategic partnership and expressed China’s intention to deepen relations with Ethiopia based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
However, the meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties, outlining their collaboration in technology transfer and human resource capacity development. This agreement includes a long-term education and continuous professional development program.
