Ethiopia has joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, reaffirming its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence, digital transformation and international technology cooperation.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology announced that Minister Belete Molla signed the founding agreement in Shanghai, China, making Ethiopia one of the 29 founding members of the newly established organization.
According to the ministry, Ethiopia’s participation reflects the country’s growing commitment to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies while strengthening global partnerships in the digital sector.
WAICO aims to promote international cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence to ensure the technology is developed in a safe, fair and beneficial manner for all.
The organisation was formally established on 16 July 2026, when representatives from 29 countries signed the founding agreement. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres attended the signing ceremony alongside representatives from various countries and international organisations.
Headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO will operate as an independent intergovernmental organisation guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, with a focus on broad consultation, shared benefits and a people-centred approach to AI development.