AMN PLUS-May 18, 2026
Today, I attended the national summit and exhibition held under the theme “Data Sovereignty for Policy Autonomy,” which celebrated Ethiopia’s monumental achievement in its journey toward data and statistical sovereignty.
The remarkable progress I observed in this sector is highly encouraging. In this era, data is a strategic asset and a foundational pillar of sovereignty essential for building a strong nation-state. Because borrowed data or reliance on external entities cannot fulfil our national aspirations, collecting and analysing our own data through domestic capacity is a critical input to guarantee policy independence.
Above all, witnessing data collection and analysis being driven by the knowledge and skills of our own citizens is a source of immense national pride. Furthermore, our focus on data must not only target quantifiable metrics but must also centre on human-centric approaches that bring tangible improvements to the lives of our citizens.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed(PhD)
