Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – April 25, 2025 — Ethiopia is poised to become a focal point of Africa’s tech future as it prepares to host ETEX 2025, the region’s largest and most anticipated technology exhibition. Taking place from May 16–18, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Center, this high-profile event is organized by the QNA Group in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and co-hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council.
Designed to accelerate the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy and support the African Union Agenda 2063, ETEX 2025 will bring together more than 10,000 attendees from across the globe, including tech innovators, government officials, industry leaders, and startups. The expo is set to become a key driver of digital transformation, economic growth, and international collaboration in East Africa.
Prime Minister H.E. Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has emphasized the pivotal role of ETEX 2025 in advancing national digital goals: “Digital Ethiopia 2025 empowers us to thrive in the digital economy, necessitating support for innovators and the creation of digital enablers.”
INSA Director General H.E. Tigist Hamid echoed this sentiment, noting the expo’s importance in strengthening Ethiopia’s global partnerships and cybersecurity capabilities. Delegations and speakers from the UAE Cyber Security Council, international tech giants, and African tech ministries are expected to headline.
National Progress, Regional Impact
ETEX 2025 marks a turning point for Ethiopia’s development narrative. The country, traditionally reliant on agriculture—employing over 80% of the workforce—is transitioning into a tech-driven economy. With strategic investments in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and National Communication Platforms, the government is building a secure and scalable digital ecosystem.
The expo also supports Ethiopia’s projected 20% increase in trade volume over the next five years, particularly through enhanced digital infrastructure and Red Sea access.
On a continental level, the event supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions technology as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development. By fostering regional and international partnerships, ETEX aims to position Ethiopia as a central player in Africa’s digital economy and cybersecurity initiatives.
Themes and Highlights
With the rapid expansion of Ethiopia’s IT services sector—forecasted to reach $2.44 billion by 2025—ETEX 2025 will spotlight five core themes central to this transformation:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Fintech
- Smart Cities
- Tech Education
These focus areas are not only aligned with national priorities but also address pressing global challenges. Cybersecurity stands out as a critical area, with 40% of Ethiopia’s digital market revenue driven by security solutions and 70% of organizations prioritizing data and application protection.
Program highlights include:
- Keynote speeches by tech pioneers and policy architects on the future of cybersecurity and AI.
- Panel discussions on harmonizing global cybersecurity frameworks, bridging Africa’s cyber talent gap, and crafting inclusive AI strategies.
- Technology exhibitions featuring cutting-edge innovations from leading Ethiopian and international firms.
- A Hackathon, encouraging young tech talent to solve real-world problems in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.
ETEX 2025 is more than an exhibition—it’s a strategic forum for shaping the continent’s digital destiny. For Ethiopia, the event underscores its shift from an agrarian economy toward becoming a digital powerhouse. Topics like AI and fintech will offer solutions for financial inclusion, an urgent need in a country with more than 100 financial institutions yet widespread disparities in credit access.
The expo’s emphasis on smart cities and tech education is equally timely, as Ethiopia undergoes rapid urbanization and a demographic shift toward youth. By empowering startups and tech innovators, ETEX could play a pivotal role in reducing unemployment and elevating the digital skills of the next generation.
With opportunities for investors, innovators, and policymakers alike, ETEX 2025 is a gateway to one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital economies. The event underscores Ethiopia’s readiness for global partnerships and its openness to foreign investment, cybersecurity collaboration, and technology transfer.
Registration is now open at www.etexethiopia.com.
