ADDIS ABABA, September 21, 2026 (Horn News Hub) — The Benishangul Gumuz Regional State Council has approved the establishment of a Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Council aimed at accelerating the region’s economic transformation through science, technology and innovation.
The council’s establishment document was reviewed with the participation of senior regional officials under the leadership of President Ashadli Hassan, with discussions focusing on strengthening technology driven development and building an innovation ecosystem supported by science and knowledge.
The document seeks to bring previously fragmented research and innovation initiatives under a coordinated strategic framework. Regional officials said this would help align research activities with development priorities, reduce institutional overlaps and improve coordination among relevant institutions.
The new council is also expected to support the development of policies and guidelines for science and technology advancement and to align digital development initiatives with the region’s specific circumstances and development needs.
Particular emphasis was placed on engaging young people in digital technology and supporting them to develop and expand innovative solutions. The regional administration also highlighted the need to integrate technology into selected sectors to reduce time and costs and improve public service delivery.
According to the establishment document, one of the council’s priorities will be expanding technology based services and reducing reliance on paper based procedures. It also calls for a more coordinated digital technology system to address fragmented working practices and improve access to services.
The framework outlines four strategic pillars to guide the council’s future work, including policy development, technology integration across priority sectors, digitalization of public services and the coordination of technology and innovation initiatives.
The regional administration said the establishment of the council is intended to provide a strategic foundation for Benishangul Gumuz’s science, technology and innovation agenda and contribute to broader economic transformation.
Under President Ashadli Hassan’s leadership, the regional government has increasingly emphasized development initiatives and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the region’s economic and technological capacity.
