• Abiy Ahmed: The partnership with the UAE government has played a pivotal role in expanding the initiative and accelerating the achievement of its goals.
• Mohammed Al Gergawi: Expanding the initiative embodies the success of the UAE-Ethiopia partnership in government work, and confirms that digital skills are the most important investment for building future economies.

Dubai, July 6, 2026: The governments of the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia announced the expansion of the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative to become 7 million with the addition of 2 million new participants, following the qualitative success achieved by the initiative in exceeding its target less than two years ahead of schedule, in a step that reflects confidence in its results and the widening impact of its impact on building digital capabilities and empowering youth with future skills, within the strategic partnership between the two countries in government modernization and development and building digital capabilities.

This achievement embodies the depth of partnership and cooperation between the two governments in building digital capabilities and empowering national competencies, through the integration of visions and experiences to expand opportunities for access to digital knowledge, enhance the readiness of future generations for future skills, and support the journey of digital transformation and the knowledge-based economy.

Abiy Ahmed: An achievement that reflects the success of the partnership with the UAE

His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, said: “Reaching 5 million Ethiopian programmers in less than two years is an extraordinary achievement that reflects Ethiopia’s firm commitment to digital transformation and empowering youth and communities with future skills.”

His Excellency continued: “The great turnout that the initiative witnessed from Ethiopian youth, and the success it achieved in exceeding its target ahead of schedule, formed an incentive to expand it by adding two million new members, which opens the way for a wider segment of youth to benefit from digital learning opportunities and acquire future skills.”

His Excellency added: “We extend our sincere appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its strategic partnership and unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in accelerating the achievement of this milestone,” stressing that “this success demonstrates the power of international cooperation in supporting national priorities, while creating economic opportunities, promoting innovation, and laying the foundations for an inclusive, knowledge-based digital economy.”

Mohammed Al Gergawi: Partnership and tangible achievements

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the partnership between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the areas of government modernization has achieved exceptional accomplishments, guided by the directives and visions of the leadership of the two friendly countries, which share distinguished bilateral relations in various fields.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi said that the partnership with the Ethiopian government represents a real translation of the impact of international cooperation in developing societies and governments, empowering human resources, and supporting digital transformation. He pointed out that expanding the scope of the 5 million Ethiopian programmers initiative to 7 million programmers, after attracting a number that exceeded the target and ahead of schedule, reflects the success of the partnership in general, and the initiative in particular, in creating a qualitative positive impact, and confirms the endeavor of the two countries’ governments to strengthen joint projects directed at youth and future leaders, aimed at enabling them to acquire skills that enhance their readiness for the future.

Digital knowledge

The number of registered participants in the initiative reached 5,005,146 by June 2026, exceeding its target set when it was launched in July 2024, reflecting the success of this collaboration in attracting large numbers of young people, expanding the scope of benefiting from digital knowledge, qualifying national competencies, and creating a sustainable developmental impact .

It is worth noting that the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders initiative was launched in July 2024 as part of the strategic partnership in government knowledge exchange between the governments of the UAE and Ethiopia, with the aim of providing young people with the necessary digital skills and enhancing opportunities to benefit from the digital economy at the level of the African continent and the world.

-I finish-

#GovernmentData

Disclaimer regarding the content of press releases
The content of this press release is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, nor do we have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and is not edited in any way. Neither we, nor our affiliates, will be liable for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of any opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
This press release is provided for informational purposes only; the content does not constitute legal, investment, or tax advice, nor does it offer any opinion on the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. Neither we nor our affiliates will be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on that content. You expressly agree and acknowledge full responsibility for your use of the information contained in this press release.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, relevant shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the 'Refinitiv Parties') shall not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to, losses of profits, savings, or revenues, whether due to negligence, tort, contract, or other theories of liability, even if the parties to Refinitiv were advised of the possibility of any such damages or losses occurring or actually anticipated them.