ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia is seeking to emulate Israel's 'Start-Up Nation' model to develop its artificial intelligence sector and strengthen technological cooperation with Israel. The initiative includes plans to integrate AI across various economic sectors within five to six years and establish an AI-focused university in the next one to two years.

Ethiopia established a national artificial intelligence center three or four years ago as part of its broader strategy to build a domestic tech ecosystem. Ethiopian Ambassador Tesfaye Yitayeh said, "Israel calls itself a Start-Up Nation, and Ethiopia is also trying its own version of a start-up. But it is in the infant stage."

Israeli companies are increasingly active in Ethiopia, particularly in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Their involvement includes high-value crop production, drip irrigation, agro-processing, and coffee, as well as projects in Ethiopia’s digital economy and logistics sector. Israeli firms have also expressed interest in the cybersecurity and digital systems of Ethiopia’s new ultramodern airport under construction southeast of Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia aims to improve water management efficiency and year-round agricultural production by adopting Israeli expertise. Yitayeh said, "You know, Israelis are good at using a scarce resource, that is water. Efficiently, effectively using water in terms of water management."

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Israel were formalized in 1956. Recent high-level visits have reinforced bilateral ties, including an investment forum held in Addis Ababa during Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit in May 2025 and an official visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog within the past year. Yitayeh said, "The bilateral relationship between our two countries is very good."

Regional wars involving Israel and Iran have negatively impacted Ethiopia’s economy through rising global oil prices and fertilizer shortages. Yitayeh said, "The war has always played a very negative role in economic development and attracting investment." He added, "The price of fuel is skyrocketing. It affected not only the investment flow, but the normal day-to-day life of the people."