Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 — The governments of the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have announced the expansion of the Ethiopian Coders Initiative from its original target of five million participants to seven million, adding two million new enrolments after the programme exceeded its initial goal nearly two years ahead of schedule.
According to the announcement, the expansion reflects confidence in the initiative’s achievements and its growing role in developing digital capabilities and equipping young Ethiopians with skills needed for the digital economy.
The Ethiopian Coders Initiative was launched as a partnership between the governments of Ethiopia and the UAE to provide free digital and coding education to young people across the country. Officials said the programme has contributed to strengthening digital literacy and preparing participants for opportunities in technology and innovation.
Following the announcement, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, , welcomed the decision, describing the partnership between the two countries as an example of strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the ambassador said Ethiopia and the UAE enjoy cordial relations that serve as a model for diplomatic cooperation in the 21st century. He added that the expanded initiative would help equip Ethiopia’s younger generation with digital knowledge and skills while enhancing people to people and intergenerational collaboration between the two countries.
The expansion is expected to provide additional opportunities for Ethiopian youth to gain digital competencies as both governments continue to strengthen cooperation in education, technology and human capital development.
