The governments of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have announced the expansion of the “5 Million Ethiopian Coders” initiative to 7 million participants, following the program’s early achievement of its original target.
The initiative, launched in July 2024, surpassed its goal less than two years ahead of schedule, reaching 5,005,146 registered participants by June 2026. Officials say the expansion by an additional 2 million participants reflects confidence in the program’s impact and its role in advancing digital skills and youth empowerment.
The program is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries focused on government modernization, digital transformation, and knowledge exchange. It aims to equip Ethiopian youth with skills relevant to the global digital economy while strengthening national capacity in technology and innovation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the milestone as a significant step in Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda.
“Reaching 5 million Ethiopian programmers in less than two years is an extraordinary achievement that reflects Ethiopia’s firm commitment to empowering youth and communities with future skills,” he said.
PM Abiy noted that strong participation from young Ethiopians and the program’s early success prompted the decision to expand its reach, enabling more participants to access digital learning opportunities.
He also credited the UAE’s support as instrumental in accelerating progress, emphasizing the role of international cooperation in fostering innovation, creating economic opportunities, and building an inclusive knowledge-based economy.
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi said the initiative demonstrates the tangible impact of bilateral cooperation in government modernization and human capital development.
He said the expansion to 7 million participants highlights the success of the partnership in delivering measurable outcomes, particularly in empowering youth and preparing future leaders with skills aligned to evolving global demands.
The initiative is designed to broaden access to digital education, enhance workforce readiness, and support Ethiopia’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy. It also reflects growing collaboration between the UAE and Ethiopia in areas of economic development, technology, and institutional capacity-building.
