Benin and Ethiopia are preparing to deepen bilateral cooperation across digital technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation following an official working visit by a Beninese ministerial delegation to Addis Ababa from August 4 to 8, 2026.
Headed by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Dr. Mahuna Akplogan, the delegation engaged with Ethiopian officials to exchange strategies regarding their national digital transformation efforts. The mission stems from recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including a July 13 meeting between Beninese President Romuald Wadagni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During the visit, the Beninese delegation highlighted nearly a decade of domestic digital progress, focusing on infrastructure expansion, public service digitization, digital identity frameworks, and cybersecurity resilience. Additional technical discussions centered on system interoperability, data governance, technological infrastructure, and the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence. A dedicated session with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology allowed both nations to assess their digital growth trajectories and target concrete areas for future collaboration.
For Benin, the emerging partnership aims to accelerate technological innovation while expanding public access to digital tools. Future initiatives between the two countries will focus on knowledge transfer and the joint creation of digital solutions adapted to public administration and regional needs. Through these exchanges, Benin and Ethiopia are advancing South-South cooperation, using digital technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation as primary catalysts for long-term economic and social development.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA