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The Pan-African AI Ventures Residency Programme, known as AI UniPod, has officially launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together 51 AI innovators from 12 African countries.
The programme aims to advance inclusive AI solutions across the continent through cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of AI-driven products.
The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Addis Ababa University, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) are implementing it through a partnership.
“The AI UniPod was established not only to advance Ethiopia’s AI capabilities but also to create value for the entire African continent by promoting the sharing of knowledge, experience, and innovation among African countries,” said Worku Gachena (PhD), Director General, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute.
The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is a government body established to advance Ethiopia’s AI capabilities through dedicated institutions, national policy development and digital strategy. It serves as the lead implementing partner for the AI UniPod programme on the Ethiopian side.
“AI development and implementation across Africa must be inclusive and equitable,” said Matthias Naab (PhD), Director, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, who also encouraged the selected participants to collaborate and make effective use of the opportunities provided through the programme.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports sustainable development across the globe, with its Regional Service Centre for Africa coordinating development programmes across the continent.
“The Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has been providing annual financial support of $1 million to AI UniPods across Africa. Japan remains committed to strengthening and continuing this support,” said H.E. Hironori Shibata, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) provides annual financial support of $1 million to AI UniPods across Africa. The programme is backed by a four-way partnership between the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, UNDP, Addis Ababa University and METI.
